Glass V 2-1 II 

Book JiiijL 



/ 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS 



OF 



CABIN MEMOR 



Lieut. L. BOljf CHER HALLORAN, R. Marines ; 

LATE OF H M.S. BRAZEN AND DORIS, RECENTLY EMPLOYED ON 
THE SOUTH AMERICAN STATION. 



" I love 

To recall the past, if the past be fair — 
Remembering all that is pleasing there". 

Anonymous. 

I" Que censura vm en esta obra"? 



PLYMOUTH : 
W. CURTIS, WHIMPLE - STREET. 
1826. 




ELC.Creagb, Printer, Woolster-Street, 




TO ALL HIS REAL FRIENDS 



- THIS LITTLE WORK 



AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED, 



A TRIBUTE OF GENUINE ESTEEM 



AND 



UNFEIGNED REGARD, 



THE AUTHOR. 



f$xtfat$* 



In presenting to my readers the following fragments 
— the remains rescued from a journal regularly con- 
tinued while employed on the South American 
station — 1 trust 1 may be permitted to deprecate 
the severity of criticism, since they are not pub- 
lished for emolument. 

In compliance with the request of a few friends 
" Pshaw ! such is the common apology of every 
scribbler who is ambitious of figuring as an author, 
and who longs to see his productions issue through 

typographic hands". Much as I despise the 

hacknied excuse, truth compels me to adopt it; 
in fact, to oblige some most valued and dear, and 
with a view to preserve memorials — records of 
happy hours gone by, 1 have been induced to 
publish. 



▼HI. 



PREFACE* 



I have experienced much difficulty in the en- 
deavour to arrange these forlorn remains into any 
thing like a tolerably connected order. It will easily 
be perceived that the 1st and 2nd Chapters appear 
to assimilate but little with the remainder of the 
w ork ; in reality, from not preserving any memo- 
randums of the subject which gave rise to them, it 
has vanished from my recollection. The Dream too 
appears what most dreams are — unintelligible : im- 
pressions are often made on the mind by passing 
circumstances, and the events of the day are fre- 
quently re-acted, and sometimes caricatured by 
the spirits of the night, to the somniferous spectator. 
Thus the realities of Bahia and Rio Janeiro were 
confounded on the visionary stage of which Morpheus 
was the manager ; am I then to attempt elucidating 
what now appears to have been somewhat of a 
prophetic drama ? alas, what a task ! 

— — My memorandums are imperfect. - 

*' But the stranger mentioned in Chapter 8th? 



PREFACE. ix. 

are we not to know who he is" ? Alas ! my 

memorandums are imperfect ! — 

Although the manuscript has been perused and 
honored by the encomium of several literary charac- 
ters, I fear this production will do me little credit as 
an author; still I flatter myself it may amuse a leisure 
hour, and am conscious, however inferior in merit, it 
contains nothing that can corrupt the heart or 
vitiate the mind. 

June 12, 1826. 



Mr, Abbot, Stoke 

Capt. Agassiz, R. N. Stonehouse, 3 copies 

E. P. Bastard, Esq. M. P. Kitley 

Mrs. Baxter, Tamerton Foliott 

Richard Beddek, Esq. Royal Naval Hospital 

Rev. R. Bedford, Clifton 

J. Billing, Esq. Devonport 

Mr. J. Birt, ditto 

Rev. T. Browne, ditto 

Capt. Bristow 

Rear Admiral Brooking 

R. Bromley, Esq. Stoke 

Mr. Byers, Devonport 

Mr. Clarke, ditto 

J. F. Clifford, Esq. Chatham 

B. Couch, Esq. Devonport 



xii. 



SUBSCRIBERS. 



Rev. T. Costello, Stonehouse 
Capt. Cookesley, R. N. Clifton 
Mrs. Cookesley, ditto 
Mr. R. Condy 
Mr. H. Colley 

Mr. Curson, bookseller, Exeter 
Mr. Curtis, ditto Plymouth 
Hugh Danson, Esq. Bristol 
R. De Carteret, Esq. Tamerton 
Devon port Reading Society 
Miss Delafons, Devonport 

G. T. Dunning, Esq. ditto 
Mr. H. Elworthy, ditto 

R. Ellery, Esq. Plymouth Dock- Yard 
Capt. W. Elliot, R. N. C. B. H. M. S. Lively 
J. Engledue, Esq. H. M. S. Britannia 

H. Ewing, Esq. Tamerton 
Capt. Frazer 

— Ford, Esq. Plymouth 

Right Honorable Lord Gifford, 3 copies 

Capt. Gordon, R.N. 



SUBSCRIBERS. 



Rev. R. K. Goldney, H. M. S. Britannia 
Miss Grigg, Tamerton 

Capt. Grosset, R. N. Long Ashton, near Bristol 

Rev. H. Green, Bristol 

Mr. F. Harris, Crediton 

J. Heaven, Esq. Bristol 

Mrs. G. C. Heaven, ditto 

~N. Howard, Esq. Tamerton 

J. Hodge, Esq, Devonport 

Capt. Herring, Bengal Infantry 

C. Home, Esq. Stoke 

Miss Home 

Lieut. G. B. Isaac, R. N. 
Mr. James, Stonehouse 
Col. Jennings, Stoke 
Alfred Johnson, Esq. Tamerton 
J. Langmead, Esq. Derriford 
Mr. T. Lancaster, Devonport 
P. M. Little, Esq. 
E. Lloyd, Esq. Plymouth 
Lieut. W. G. Lloyd, R. M. 



SUBSCRIBERS. 



T. Elridge Masterman, Esq. 
Capt. Madden, R. M. 
Capt. Mould, R. N. 
Capt. Mould, R. M. 

Admiral Right Honorable Earl Northesk, 
C. B. 2 copies 

Lieut. Neville, R. N. Stoke 

Major Nicholson, R. M. Plymouth 

Lieut. Parker, R.N. H. M.S. Volage 

— Parker, Esq. Surgeon, R.N. Bristol 

Capt. Pedlar, R. N. Stoke 

%>t. Pipon, R. N. H. M. S. Britannia 

Cap, p r i C e, R.N. Plymouth 

W. Pridham, Esq. Stoke 

Rev. W. Prowse, Tamerton 

Capt. Pym, R. N. Looseleigh 

Rev. W. and Mrs. Radcliffi, 3 copies 

Mr. J. Ramsey, Devonport 

Miss Revel 

Mr. Reck, Birmingham 
Lieut. Col. Roby, R. M, 



SUBSCRIBERS. 



XV. 



Capt. Roy, Tamerton, 3 copies 

Lieut. Robilliard, R. N. H. M. S. Britannia 

Capt. Saunders, R. N. 

Robert Saxby, Esq. Brighton, 3 copies 

M. H. Saxelby, Esq. London 

Capt. Simpson, R. N. Tamerton 

J. Scott, M.D. R.jM. 

J. Smith, Esq. Knacker's Knole 

Lieut. John Somerville. K.T.S. R.N. Tamerton 

Lieut. James Somerville, R. 1ST. H. M.S. Windsor 
Castle 

Lieut. Sparrow, R. N. Tamerton 

Honorable Capt. Spencer, R. N. 

Mr. John L. Stevens, author. of " fancy's Wreath", 
2 copies 

Capt. Stanton, R. N. Clifton 

Vice Admiral Right Honorable Viscount Tor- 
rington 

W. Trant, Esq. Saltash 

C. Tripe, Esq. Devonport 

T. Thomas, Esq. Stoke 

Capt. Thornborougb, R. N. 



xvi. 



SUBSCRIBERS. 



— Troode, Esq. Plymouth 

B. Tucker, Esq. Trematon Castle 

Col. Vinicombe, Colonel Commandant Plymouth 
Division Royal Marines 

Mr. Visick, Classical and Mathematical Academy, 
Plymouth 

Mr. Watts, Devonport 

G. Walker, Esq. Stoke 

Lieut. White, R. N. Stoke 

S. Williams, Esq. Plymouth 

Major Wingrove, R. M. 

A Subscriber and his Lady, distinguished alike for 
their worth and estimable virtues, as well as 
high rank, but who from some unassigned reason 
decline having their names inserted, 3 copies 



CHAPTER I. 



The Vexatious Discovery — the Introduction, good 
advice. 

" The Doris will be paid off to morrow, so 
bear a hand and pack up all your traps". I am a 
most awkward fellow at packing, my good lady 
will laugh (when I arrive at that dear home from 
which I have been two years absent) when she 
sees what a jumble and confusion my chests will 
exhibit. 

" So now, Sentry ! send my servant here". — 
" Come my man, get some cordage, and two 

B 



2 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

or three cards, the Van goes off in a few hours ; 
and you must take my baggage to the Red Lion, 
book, and send them off — stay, open the cabin 
drawers, let us see nothing is left behind, what's 
there"? 

— "A great many scraps of paper Sir"-— 
" Scraps, you blockhead ! they are my Journals, 
my dear, precious memorandums ; I— I hope they 
are all safe, let me see, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, 
humph ! plague it ! here's pretty havoc, — why one 
half are destroyed ! Out upon the vile cockroaches, 
and the meddling busy inhuman mice ! my manu- 
scripts ! — my manuscripts ! Oh ye enemies to 
literature, ye barbarous Goths, worse even than 
that foe to biblical learning, the illiterate tyrant 
Omar". 

How much of my enchanting poetry has fur- 
nished a banquet to ignorant gluttony ! how much of 
my elaborate prose (intended to delight and astonish 
the world), has gone to form a soft nest for embryo 
catsmeat I 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



3 



Well, it cant be helped, I must e'en be content 
with the sad remains, and patch them up together 
the best manner I can, and a pretty patchwork 
journal I fear it will make. The critics will think 
me a poor caterer for their fastidious appetites, 
when instead of a full meal, I give them only a 
few bones to growl and gnaw over ; no matter, — 
it is a pity to deprive them even of that pleasure, 
so gentlemen I beg leave to present you my 
Rescued Fragments. 

C( Lend me your penknife, I am about to overhaul 
my Journal", — " There clont keep it". — " Did you 
ever know me keep any thing" ? — " I could not 
keep my own penknife, I lost it immediately after 
i left England; my snuff box is always absent 
without leave, were it worth any thing it would have 
been gone long since". " You know I lost 
but no matter, if my head were loose, I should 
have mislaid it years ago ; indeed I appear to want 
a new one, these grey hairs, these dim eyes, my 
ungrateful teeth, who owe their bread, their very 



4 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

subsistence to me, like royal James's thankless 
children, desert me in my old age ; and as Anne 
preferred the cause of William, so they adhered to 
the doctor, who was incessantly and officiously 
urging their defection. — I see too by this glass, 
something very like crow's feet ; Well ! Well ! it 
is right we should sometimes call to mind our near 
approach to the last scene, for after all, 

" This world is all a fleeting show, 

For man's illusion given, 
The smiles of joy, the tears of woe, 
Deceitful shine, deceitful flow, 

There's nothing true but Heaven" ! 

Moore. 

I need not apologize for quoting these beautiful 
lines from an author so generally admired. Oh may 
I indeed, like the great actors of the past and 
present day, try to make the concluding scenes more 
brilliant, — more brilliant shall 1 say ? ah no ! I am 
not born for brilliant performances ; — more excellent 
than the opening of the drama of life. Oh ! if I 
can but quit the world's wide stage with the applause 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



5 



and regret of friends, and the highly valued mess- 
mates of the Brazen, and above all with the 
approbation of Him, I shall die contented, 
" Pulvis et umbra sumus" ! — Horace. 
I fancy I hear the reader exclaim, Whom pray 
do you mean by Him ? — 

I have been told that many of the natives of 
Scotland (I admire them greatly), never use the 
name of the Supreme Being, in conversation, by 
any other term than Him, and I like the practice; 
in prayer only is the Deity mentioned by name, 
which at once shews what an opinion they have of 
their own littleness, nothingness, &c. (for we are 
but mere worms in his sight) and of his awful majesty, 
power, and goodness. Know you the command- 
ment, Thou shalt not take the name, &c? 
Yet how often do we hear it broken on every trivial, 
every frivolous occasion. 

How can any person who calls himself a christian, 
be guilty of such a crime? In vain may England 
^end missionaries abroad, if the ship that bears 



6 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

them to a foreign coast, lands at the same time, 
swearing officers and blaspheming seamen. Ah, 
but how can foreigners know that they are swearing ? 
Nothing is so easily understood and learnt as that 
which is wicked and improper, for all mankind are 
prone to evil; I scarce ever, nay I may say 1 never 
met a foreigner who did not know the oaths of an 
Englishman ; indeed 1 have known foreigners impute 
Atheism to our countrymen abroad, from the very 
little outward appearance of any religious sentiments 
among them : however rash, hasty, and uncharitable 
such a conclusion may be — why give we cause for 
it ? All other people, though perhaps erroneous in 
their faith, evince a sense of a Deity, but Englishmen 
alas ! Oh fie, fie, it ought not so to be. Can then 
I say, missionaries have much hope, when such 
conduct tends so to counteract their pious endeavours ? 
ah, no ! But with respect to the disgusting heinous 
vice of swearing. Oh christian ! how can you 
carelessly sport with, and profane the name of Him 
" in whom we live, and move, and have our being"? 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 7 

Example is better than precept, and I wish those 
who visit the unenlightened nations would set them 
a good one. Reader, do not imagine me to be one 
of those, whom in the Navy we designate " Blue 
lights"; no, though I respect their intentions, 1 
protest against their " gloom and straitness". Re- 
ligion and cheerfulness go hand in hand ; I detest 
sour bigotry, precise and intrusive fanaticism, and 
puritanic "noli me tangere" pride. 

To those who are in command give me leave 
to offer a word of advice ; — know you not that by 
swearing, blasphemy, and obscene expressions you 
reduce yourselves tb a level with the lowest vulgar 
foremast man, or the worst private? remember, they 
can keep equal pace with you in such conversation, 
being quite as au fait in those elegant accom- 
plishments. 

Perhaps too my fair countrywomen are not aware 
that such asseverations as the following, which 
sometimes pass their ruby lips, are a species of 
swearing, viz. Upon my honor, ITpon my word, 



8 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

and even Upon my life ; and equally improper are 
the too frequent exclamations of Good G — d, Good 
L — d, Good Heavens, &c. Let them recollect who 
has said Swear not at all, and Take not the 
Name of the Lord thy God in vain. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



9 



CHAPTER II. 



Men of Honor — the Dream — the Penguin, or 
something like it. 

****** j AM rea ]]y S orry that some 
young men who have no one quality to recommend 
them, but that of wealthy connexions, or an ample 
fortune, should be so called. What are these men 
of Honor? 

I know not how it is, but times 

Have strangely alter'd names ; and crimes 

Are either virtues calPd, or cease 

To be, no more than specks at least 3 

" Mere amiable weaknesses", 

In those whose wealth, and dashing dresses, 

Whose bold address, and forward air, 

Draw admiration from the fair, 



10 



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And swearing, — but for tliat no matter? 
Why about oaths make any clatter? 
They shew his spirit, speak the man, 
His humour's vast, deny't who can ? 
Since there's no harm in oath or jest } 
^Tis only said so by the priest. — 

"No, no ! he is a good soul, 

And loves to be a little droll. 

He drinks you say, well, if he do, 

And w 7 here's the harm, Tom what say you t \ 

What is a bottle — two or three! 

» Nay four, he's good company ; 

And if he get, half seas, or mellow, 
Yet he's an honorable fellow". 

Drunkenness, swearing, and debauchery, are 
not to be called crimes, Oh, no! "they are all, all 
honorable men". Yet drunkards, &c. &c. we are 
expressly told m shall not inherit the kingdom of 
God". 

You blame his songs, and at a venture 
His lively (smutty) stories censure ; 
Talk of the Bible ! that old book ! 
Think you in that he deigns to look ? 
But he has read it I believe, 
And talks of David, and of Eve ; 
And some queer stories he relates, 
From chapter, verse, and some odd dates, 



CABIN' MEMORANDUMS. 



tl 



And by the bye, 
Do you know Bell ? 
Something of her too he can tell, 
Women and wine are his chief glory, 
And now I'll tell yon Bella's story ; 

He shot that meddling fool her brother, 

And that took off Bell's old mother ; 

? Twas just about the time his tailor 
Threatened to send him to the jailor ; 

But he, a lad of spirit, swore 
Jail, or no jail, he'd pay no more, 
And thus it was — old Cabbage broke, 

And stock and shop went off like smoke, - 

■ Now as for paying bills, I swear 

And on my honor I declare, 

I see no reason why we pay — - 

"You dont"? 

" No Sir, my debts of honor— 
they claim attention first Let the scrubby trades- 
men wait — my debts of honor" Debts of Honor ! 

******* 

Endeavouring to arrange and bring into some 
order the scraps of my mutilated journal, the first 
that occurs is a fragment of memorandums whilst 
at Bahia. 

* * * ffo e beauty of the ensuing morning 
tempted us to early rising, and to a long walk on 



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shore. — When we had wound our toilsome way 
thro' the steep sinuosities of the singular and extensive 
city of San Salvador, and gained the summit of the 
lofty ground on which it stands, we all involuntarily 
broke out into exclamations of admiration at the view. 

J Twas then, in all the splendor of a God ! 

As if from rich celestial portals, wrought 

Of amber, hyacinth, and gold, arose 

The Sun o'er motionless empurpled seas, 

Whose clear unruffled surface glow'd with fire, 

Eeflecting light on the deep foliage round, 

Pendant, along the margin of the bay. — 

The morning mist yet hover'd o'er the height, 

Melting away in ever varying dies ; 

Below, — the tall dark vessels idly lay 

Emerging slowly one by one from shade ; 

Their topmasts, yards, and rigging caught the rays, 

And ropes, masts, hulls, appear'd enrich'd with gold, 

Save only where the harbingers of death 

Frown'd in dark rows, amid their brilliant bed ; 

"While mountain, wood, and valley slowly rose 

From the night shadow, like a new born world, 

E'en then call'd forth by its Creator's voice ! * * * * 

— We quitted Bahia 11th June, after a 

short stay, and proceeded to Rio de Janeiro, arrived 
the 21st. * * * * * 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



13 



On the 7th July we sailed for the River 

Plate.— 

Like some wild sea bird through^the skies, 
Along the wave the vessel flies.; 
Scattering the seed pearls on her way, 
Shook from the bounding ocean's spray, 
Profuse they fall — and falling seem 
(Changed by the blush of evening beam) 
In mimic coloring to appear 
Light rainbows formed in miniature.— 
And Oh ! how sweet at close of day 
To view the sun's declining ray ; 
"Where clouds like towns or castles rise, 
Or spread rich scenery through the skies ! 
Or where, in tints like wild briar rose, 
Celestial islands they disclose ; 
Floating, and changeful we behold, 
In seas of crimson, lakes of gold ! 

Oh ! it is sweet when far removed 
From one so dear and so beloved, 
To think those blushing heavenly rays, 
On which I fix my pensive gaze, 
Have lately beam'd on her, and shed 
A gentle glory on her head ; 
Have lately on my cottage smiled, 
And glittered on each darling child ! 

* * * * * It cannot always be a fine 

evening, and the freshening of the breeze disperses 
too soon the fairy scene; towns, castles, islets, fall 



9 

14 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

in shadowy ruins, and misty rocks and hazy moun- 
tains rise, rearing their shapeless forms on a wide, 
sickly, pallid light, around the sad horizon ! 

"X think it will blow to night", "The summit 
of each curling wave is crested with many a snowy 
wreath". — "All hands reef topsails". — They are 
soon snug. — "Oh, the breeze will be nothing, 
good night". — 

'Twas a dark night, a very dark night, I remember 
it well, — (for it was only last week), I think it may 
be a little after twelve. — Fast asleep, and dreaming. 
Shall I relate my dream ? I think I will.— 
The Bream. 

Dozing I lay, and Fancy soon 

Sweet seriel scenes around roe spread ; 
I rambled while the silver moon 

Shed her mild radiance o'er my head : 
Methought a distant cottage rose, 

The object I would fain attain, 
Bat lengthening mountains interpose 
A sad and rugged barrier chain : 
Labouring with firm but cautious step, 

Onward I climb, when soft and sweet, 
( Eolian harp s own heavenly note 

Conld scarce in lovelier accents greet). 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



But louder jet, the holy sound 

Swept the rocks and woods around, 

And notes that seemed from angels' choir, 

Now swelled to warlike numbers higher. 

The humble cottage lattice blazed 

Effulgent, as I wondering gazed 

Where ivy twined with roses threw 

Their foliage athwart my view ; 

But soon their color fled and gone, 

They seemed but carved of mouldering stone 

The lowly lattice seemed to be 

Pointed, and wrought in tracery 

Of antique form, where cross and shield, 

And arms of ancient battle field, 

Were sculptured with devices rare ; 

The light no longer threw a glare, 
But softened by the colored hue, 
The lofty painted casement threw 
Such beauteous tints along the green, 
As are on dying dolphins seen ; 
The lowly thatch no more appeared, 
But mighty battlements upreared, 
Bearing on high a banner vast, 
That rolled in waves when breezes past. 
But warm the breeze, an odorous scent 
The balmy air luxuriant lent ; 
The night's soft shades the means deny 
To note the banner's blazonry. 
I stopt, I gazed, but soon I found 
My feet no longer pressed the ground, 
But lightly borne o'er dewy flowers, 
I reached the dark and awful towers, 



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RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



And seated on an ivied stone, 

The Bell above me toll'd out one* ; — 

— I found myself in lofty hall, 

Where spears and banners deck'd the wall, 

And mailed knights in order sate, 

Like council in a grave debate. 

And some had scarfs of heavenly blue 

Mingled with white ; I turned to view 

What scarf or emblem wore the rest, 

But faintly shone each badge and crest, 

And useless the enquiring gaze, 

For round them rose a dusky haze. — — 

The music still with varied note, 

Along the fretted arches float, 

Unheeded by the armed band, 

Who stood with hand conjoined with hand ; 

Their swords that erst promiscuous lay, 

Vanished rapidly away. 

How changed the scene ! no knight was there, 
No martial sounds salute the ear, 
But dying cadence soft and low, 
Around the hall in sweetness flow. 
And now where late the shields hung high, 
Depended gorgeous tapestry ; 
With flowers of gold fair drapery shone 
Around a rich embroidered throne, 
On which a brilliant cradle gay 
W T ith gems that mock the eye of day, 
There lay a cherub babe within 3 — 
The pillow — coverlid were green 



* Most probably the ship's bell at this moment sounded in my 
sleeping ear, | past twelve. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



17 



Where characters were wove in gold 

Mysterious, but may not be told, 

Revolving, horizontally, 

A crown above her glittered high ; 

Which shewed at every turn anew 

Both Regal and Imperial too. 

Each colored gem around her head 

A variegated halo shed, 

And shewed the mystic character 

On canopy depicted near. 

On either side conspicuous shine 

In gold, the olive and the vine. — 

And now a train of sages rose, 
Whose heads were blanched with wintry snows* 
And in a reverential mood, 
Like Rome's Imperial Senate, stood. 

— — -'Tis past, a pure unclouded sky 
Of morning burst upon my eye ; 
And deep retired in shady bowers, 
Blushing with spring's enchanting flowers, 
The cottage met my view again. 
I saw the rustic porch sustain 
A single shield above the door ; 
The shield a golden Primrose bore 
Over a Saltire Cross of green ; — 
Above, a Regal Crown was seen.— 

— Once more, by unseen hands conveyed, 
Within the lowly porch I laid ; 
A murmuring rivulet rolled by, 
That rippled in sweet harmony, 
And seemed to lull me to repose : 
I felt my sinking eyelids close. * * * * 



D 



18 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

- * * * Hark !: what noise is that ? 
" Up Courses ! cut away the Life-buoy, back the 
main topsail ; lower away the boat — a man over- 
board ! a man overboard" ! 

Up flies the first Lieutenant; no garment but his 
shirt on, — " give way, give way my boys — hard a 

port -starboard a little — the voice is close 

by — port, keep yourself up my man ; ('twas a very 
dark night, blowing fresh) starboard a little, — give 
way, keep yourself up my man, we'll be with you 

in a twinkling; give way boys *! — The voice 

continued to call loudly, as in distress, and there 
was much splashing in the water. — The boat came 
up. 

« I'll be if it is'nt 

a Jackass Pilgrim"! cries out one cf the crew — - 
and a " Penguin" it was, or something like it. — — 
" Jackass! what meant he by that " ? 

"1 imagine only a term of disappointment; for 
disappointed they were, and pulled gloomily back, 
because they could not find a drowning man". 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 19 

The Life-buoy is picked up, the boat hoisted, 
the main and main topsail yards braced up, the 
shivering spectators and adventurers gone to bed; 
all quiet, or (as the military phrase is) " As you 
were". 



20 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER III. 



Very short— a Greeting— a Complaint— and a 
Remark. 

" Good morning". " How are you"? " Oh ! 
I have a sore throat and a bad cold". " I give 
you joy of your Penguin chase — Pilgrim I should 
say". "Dont laugh at me — 'twas meant in a good 
cause". i( It was so, and I applaud you for it". 
"It is an old observation, and I have always seen 
it verified, that a British sailor is as prompt and 
ready to aid distress, as he is to answer the call for 
grog, or fly to his quarters against the enemies of 
his country"! ***** 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



21 



CHAPTER IV. 



Murder among the Seals — dog Tumbler — Homer- 
izing — a Council of Slate — Patriotism— the 
Slave Trade. 

Saturday, 19th July, 1823. Cold and gloomy. 
(Winter Season). Came to an anchor off the 
Islands of Lobos, small, rocky, and desolate ; 
abounding in seals. (If you glance over your Atlas 
you will find them situate at the mouth of the cele- 
brated and extensive River Plate).— — Sent a boat 
on shore to catch seals — how the fellows fly to the 
water ! It is extraordinary with what speed they go 
over the ground with their flippers; they disperse 



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like a flock of sheep. Old Tumbler, our bull dog, 
enjoys the sport ; a large party reach a distant rock 
secure from pursuit. Up rises from the foaming wave 
a venerable hero, (a Lion Seal) with large and 
flowing mane ; in age like Nestor, in rank I suppose 
like Agamemnon. Jt looks very like a Council of 
War: I wish I could Homerize it a little. 

The evening is closing in, the boat is returned ; 
poor Tumbler is quite lamed, his feet are sadly 
maimed by the rocks. 

Now o'er the wave the shades of eve extend ; 
In solemn council all the sea's attend 
Fatoil the 8th, who held the sovereign sway, 
(Fatoil, whom Lobos' rugged isles obey). 
Renowned for wisdom as for length of years, 
With kindling ire in his breast appears. 
The obedient chiefs around him take their place, 
The vulgar seals fill all the outer space. 
Meanwhile, by mortal eves alone unseen, 
Imperial Neptune and his beauteous Queen 
Ascend a rock, by Ocean's daughters spread 
With sea-flowers culled from many a shelly bed ; 
And coral branches, strew'd with glittering sand, 
Are quickly planted by each Triton's hand : 
With pearls the Sea N vmphs every branch entwine, 
To form a bower for the Pair Divine. 



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There, high in awful and in wat'ry state, 
Old Ocean's God and Amphitrite sate.— 
Meanwhile the Moon (her cloudy veil thrown by) 
Now leaned attentive from the spangled sky ; 
While from the lamp, that on her crescent hung, 

On Fatoil's head a yellow radiance filing. 

While thus the monarch trembling silence broke, 
Th' indignant feelings of his bosom spoke : — 
" Hear, all ye Seals! ye furred amphibious bands ! 
" W 7 hat my soul prompts, or what some God commands : 
" This day, — a day we ever shall deplore, 
" An hostile force invades our sacred shore ; 
" A winged monster throws a daring band 
" To scourge and desoiate our native land. 
" Most true it is, when summer's fervid ray 
'^Illumes the rosy hoars on thsir way—- 
" When ffdw'rj wreaths perfume the ambient air, 
"Then comes our sorrow and our annual care : 
" But, marking well that sad revolving time, 
" Awhile reluctantly we quit our clime 
" None but the inexperienced remain, 
if Who thoughtless linger, ana too soon are slain. 
" But now !-f-wben peace her quiet reign extends, 
'•'And man as yet his cruel rage suspends, 
"A stranger race, to us unknown before, 
"Amid this respite darkens all the shore. 
«' But say, my Peers, what then ! shall we endure 
" This desp'rate evil, and not seek a cure ? 
" Bebold not these alone our lives pursue, 
" But dogs ! e'en dogs, — a heartless, hellish crew ? !— * 
"Seize on our helpless babes, with gory fangs, 
" Who writhe in torture and severest pairgs— 



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" Gods ! shall a Seal submit to this disgrace ? 

" Old as I am I'll meet them, face to face. 

" Alas ! it is not as in days of old, 

" When I was strong in youth— but not more bold. 

<! I well remember, — when the sev'n years 7 war 

' With sharks had honor'd me with many a scar, 

{ My force, my prowess, many a haughty foe 

' In Plata's wide and silver stream laid low. 

1 The mighty Strong Jaws, Prince of Sharks— renown'd 

' Wherever sharks — wherever seals are found, 

1 Fell by my paw,— my teeth dragg'd forth his heart, 

1 But Jove despoiled me of the other part : 

' The heartless carcase of the recreant shark 

( Revived — transformed into a Lawyer's Clerk — 

' Bade him, like some of legal race, to prey 

1 On man alone, and quit the wat'ry way. 

1 The. artful glutton, Seize-all, shark of fame ( 

' 1 slew ! and Neptune to his corpse laid claim 

' Revived, he bade him in the Customs rise, 

1 Or — if he liked it better, the Excise 1 

' W T hich e'er he chose, he could not well be worse, 
' The tradesman's terror — or the traveller's curse. 
Fain would I number all the hostile train 
My flippers stretch'd upon the watr'y plain ; 
But time forbids, — we meet on cares of state : 
How to avert our sad impending fate 
Say, Peers and Chieftains, clad in robes of fur, 
Let each th' opinion and advice prefer : 
For me, — my voice is war — resistance bold, — 
Be no Seal's heart by slavish fear controul'd ; 
Full well you know a dauntless monarch, I 
But for my people live,— and will for Lobos die' ? ; 



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He said, and whirling round his ample tail, 
Scatter'd (he Sea weed lo the passing gale ; 
He ceased — th* admiring people cry out hearty — ■ 
" Viva el Rcy ! Independencia o Muerte " / 

* * * * There never was a more complete 
satire on liberty and independence, than the sight 
of a rascally proprietor of Negroes, with the 
words " Xndependencia, &c." embroidered on 
his sleeve, — flogging a fettered half-famished 

Slave !- yet this may be seen any day in a 

certain part of the world. * * * * 

— Patriotism and Liberty are the cant 

words of many a despicable being who is a tyrant 
in his own little domestic circle, and who wants 
but power to play the same part over his country- 
men : Out upon such Patriots i ■ * * * * 

The enviable constitution with which England 
is blest, amply secures that due proportion of Liberty 
sufficient for every rational man who values the 
welfare of his country ; — he only is a real patriot, 
who, appreciating rightly the genuine Freedom we 
enjoy, will be ever ready to defend the venerable 

D 



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institutions by which it is upheld, against the factious 
brawler and worthless demagogue. And here I 
cannot refrain adding, with some alterations, a few 
lines from a little work published some years ago, 
but now out of print, which may not be inapplicable, 
and with which I will close the chapter. — It speaks 
my sentiments, and I hope those of many, on the 
infamous treatment experienced by the miserable 
Slaves : — 

" Full well I know Pride thinks it a disgrace 

On eqnal terms to view the Negro race ; 

'Black wretches ! only formed to be our slaves' ! 

^Tis thus illiberal ignorance proudly raves. 

That they are wretches, — they to Europe owe : 

That they are black, — the Almighty made them so. 

*Tis not, vain man, the tincture of a skin 

That speaks a great, exalted soul within ; 

Thro' the dark veil that Heaven has on them thrown. 

Their souls may blush for vices not their own : 

Oh ! then forbear a Brother to despise, 

But learn to view them with impartial eyes 1 

Let prejudice no more your judgment blind, 

But view all nations as your fellow kind. 

The God of nature, whose creative hand 

Has planted countless beings in each land, 

Of various customs, languages, and name,. 

But all in heavenly origin the same^— 



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Yet the poor Negro, whom no arts adorn, 

Th 1 enlighten'd European views with scorn — 

Yet may his mind with native greatness glow ; 

On rugged stems luxuriant fruit may grow. 

Ah ! when I view th' accumulated woes 

Which tyrants on this hapless race impose, — 

While indignation at their griefs I feel, 

Forcing my blood with horror to congeal, — 

Their villian masters with abhorrent ken 

I view, and blush to think that they are men ! 

Did I repeat (what Hist'ry ne'er exceeds) 

The long, black catalogue of bloody deeds, 

The Muse, appall'd, would fly the torturing sight— 

Her numbers fail unequal to recite. 

Will Britain then, illumed by freedom's smile, 

Protect the monsters ? — vilest of the vile ! 

Monsters, by whom, for cursed lust of gold 

God's noblest works, like beasts, are bought and sold ? 

Ah no ! behold her rulers nobly dare 

To make the Negro their peculiar care ; 

See Wilberforce and Canning jointly strain, 

(While interest and vice oppose in vain) 

To crush the iron sway beyond the waves 

That binds the hapless sons of Afric Slaves : 

Tho' much be done, yet more— much more remains ; 

Still numbers languish in their galling chains : 

Colonial Tyrants goad the unhappy race, 

Their bodies torture, and their minds debase ; 

And lands that boast of Freedom's sacred name, 

Deny that freedom they themselves would claim. 

Oh then pursue the generous work begun, 

For ever free the children of the sun ; 



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Rise to their aid, — Sons — Husbands — Parents — all; 

Nature commands ! obey her awful call ! 

Let prejudice no more your judgment blind, 

But view all nations as your fellow kind, 

Created for one end, by the same God, 

Oh ! rescue Afric from oppression's rod ; — > 

Unite your power a suff 'ring land to bless, 

And ITeav'n will crown your efforts with success ! 

Oh ! bid the lowly Negro race to live, 

For without freedom life no joys can give : 

Bid the bright Sun of Liberty arise, 

With long lost glory to rejoice their eyes,— 

Bid them awake again to bliss, and be 

Like Britons happy, and like Britons free. 

And then, despairing sighs and groans, no more 

TVafted by western gales, shall taint your shore ; 

Kind Heav'n will bless you with propitious smile, 

And consecrate the Ereedom of our Isle. 



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29 



CHAPTER V. 



The Storm — the Arrival at Monte Video. 

******* Wont you continue your 
Homerizing, as you call it, on the proceedings at 
Lobos" ? 

— " I had not time to witness the debate, 
nor indeed have I inclination to tax my imagination 
further; — I will now speak of a reality". * * * 

20th July, 1824, Got under weigh at 1 A. M. 
with moderate breeze, cold, cloudy, and damp ; 
the coast about Maldonado of a barren and desolate 
appearance, resembling in many places the sand 



80 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

hills near Scheveling and Catwyke in Holland ; 
this similarity ceases however when we arrive abreast 
the Pan Azuca. 

Maldonado Bay is of a tolerable extent, but 
exposed ; the small Island of Goritti (uninhabited) 
shelters it only from the S. E. The Village of 
Maldonado is at some distance from the shore, and 
a high tower and one lowly dwelling are alone visible 
from the anchorage. After landing, you have to 
toil up a very loose deep sand, near half a mile ere 
you can gain any thing like a firm footing, or a com- 
fortable walk; it is a good sporting country, and a 
species of very large partridge is to be met with 
there — and, there are no Game Laws ! The Pari 
Azuca is a high and singular looking Mount, a few 
miles above Maldonado.— 

— " How the plague do you know any thing 
of a place it appears you only passed" ? 

"Softly, softly, I was there some time 

after; but admitting or supposing I was not, should 
I be the only voyager presuming to describe places 



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31 



I never saw ? Go to, you have read very few voyages 
or travels of the present day, I imagine. — Many a 
long journey has been taken by ladies and gentlemen 
who have never quitted their own fire-side; — many 
a voyage by those who never saw salt water. Long 
life to Book making, I say" [***** 

About 6 it grew very dark, and came on to 
blow, and the wind gradually increased to a very 
heavy gale, accompanied w^ith thunder, lightning, 
rain, hail, and all the usual et cceteras of a terrific 
storm, or pampero :— 

The Ship rolled about. 

All things made a rout, 

All hands soon turned out ; 

Boxes, tables, and chairs, 

Now gave themselves airs, 

And, waltzing in pairs, 

Knock about on our shins, 

And bruising our skins, 

Played a game at nine pins 5 

People ran upon deck, 

Foretelling a wreck, 

With rais'd hands and stretch'd neck 5 



32 



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Out the Doctor's desk flew, 
Exposing to view 
Odd contents, as it threw 
Letters, papers, and scraps, 
Seals, lancets, and traps : 
Oh, what dire mishaps ! 
The thunder roar'd, 
The hail storm pour'd ; 
Each paper, note, 
And wafer float 
Where waters wash 
Amid the crash 
Of bottles, glasses, 
Which (stupid asses) 
The servants left, 
Of guard bereft 5 
Thus, insecure 
They strew the floor 
Near ancle deep. 
The idlers creep 
The gun-room round ; 
Coats, hats> are found 
W r ith shirts and breeches, 
And divers riches — 
Watches, rings, 
And pretty things ; 
Wine glasses jingle 
Where rich wines mingle 
(Alas ! good drink) 
W r ith sable ink ; 
In vain to snatch 
The doctor's watch 



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33 



No aid avails ; * * * * 

With well poised scales 

He, reeling, stands } 

With busy hands, 

And makes essay 

Exact to weigh 

The hailstones falling 

(Oh most appalling) ! 

The sky-light through ; 

Mid lightning, blue, 

Yellow, and red, 

From cloudy bed. 

One, I declare, 

Altho' you stare, 

Proved for his pains 

Twenty seven grains I 

He 

" Stuff and nonsense"—" Well, if that will not 
do I'll try something else" — " Pray do, for I am 
weary of this trash" — But I give you my word it 
is true" — " 1 do not doubt it, but do tell the truth 
in a more agreeable manner" — " I will see what 
can be done".- 

Oh thou ! the genius of the silver wave ! 
Whose rapid stream the heights of Video lave,-^ 
Whose world of waters ample tribute pour 
On Paraguay and Buenos Ayres* shore ! 
Rise from thy shelly throne, beneath the deep, 
While thus I rob the midnight hour of sleep, 

E 



34 



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O'er the pale lamp, to tune my feeble lyre ; — 
Propitious rise, my drooping heart inspire, 
And o'er my bead display thy pearly wing, 
And aid my efforts while retired I sing: 
Ab ! let each wat'ry gem, that, sparkling, plays 
Around thy coral sceptre, gently raise 
A kindly light, to cheer my pensive way, 
As thro' the maze of poesy I stray. 

* << There, will that do" ? " Proceed, I beg". 

Though weak my efforts, weak rny lowly muse, 

Cans't thou thine aid at such an hour refuse, 
When I would gladly, for my Harriette, fain 
To tune my lyre and raise an humble strain ? 

— — Dark was the night, the raging tempest blew, 
And o'er the surge a ship from England flew ; 
Where Plata's silver wave with Ocean blends, 
Before the gale her reeling course she bends ; 
Her plunging keel divides each rolling wave 

That Lobos' rugged isles incessant lave. 

At that dread hour, when deaf 'ning thunders roar'd, 
And Heaven its rains in heavy deluge pour'd, 
And hollow winds, with cold and sullen blast, 
O'er foaming billows swept with angry haste ; — 
Then ceaseless fell the rattling, gelid hail, 
O'er every yielding mast and swelling sail. 
The trembling Heavens appeared to open far — 
Wide 'mid the awful elemental war ; 
And heavy cJouds of pale and sulphurous hue 
Terrific scenes alternate bring to view. 



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35 



Borne on the dreary surge at that dread hour, 
Beneath the raging Storm-fiend's furious power, 
Onward the Brazen rolls, in fearful haste, 
And Flores' isles, unseen, in safety past! 
Ob ! let me praise the Blest Eternal Power, 
That in the storm, and awful midnight hour, 
Preserved the vessel, as she driving came 
From rocks insidious, and from lightning's flame ! 
All dreach'd, and cold — amid the gale, — unmoved 
Stood our brave Chief; by all his crew beloved : 
He views the wild and desolating scene 
With heedful eye, and yet, with breast serene ; 
Prompt to command, and greatly skilled to guide 

Th' uneasy vessel through the foaming tide. 

He gives the word, and all the hardy crew 
Or here, or there, on deck obedient flew ; 
Kind Providence regards the bold essay, 
And aids the vessel on her wat'ry way 
With timely help, and, with paternal hand, 
Conducts her safely to Video's land. — — 

" There, we have arrived at 
last, — what think you of it" ? " Humph, it may 
pass". 



36 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER VI. 



The first Morning — Short Stay — Progress up the 
River— Buenos Ayres — Colonia. 

The rosy morn dispels the gloom of night, 
And gilds the summit of Video's height ; 
Yet lingers still the cold and sullen breeze 
O'er the chill river, from the Southern Seas ; 
The heavy swell rolls on the neighbouring shore, 
The rocks resound with long repeated roar. 
Now safely moor'd, within the spacious bay, 
3 Mid various ships our gallant vessel lay ; 
On high Britannia's banner she unfurled,— 
(The sacred banner of the wat'ry world) ; 
Her black artillery, ranged on either side, 
Salutes, in thunder, o'er the heaving tide ; 



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37 



The forts, with Lusitania's standard crown'd, 

In answering thunder echo all around. 

Now to the shore his way our Chieftain bends, 

And meets (tho' erst unknown) with greeting friends ; 

There too those Chiefs, who ruled amidst the band 

Of Brazen's hardy crew, in due command, 

(Who skilled in toils of war and arts of peace, 

"Who guide the vessel o'er the tractless seas), 

Meet kind attentions on the friendly shore ; 

Awhile their labours and their dangers o'er. 

Fain would I all the various fetes relate, 

And many a festal day in order state ; 

But that the theme would far, too far, prolong 

My lowly numbers and^enlarge my song. 

- — For them behold the tables set, 

For them is tuned the minstrelsy, 
And Video's lovely dames are met 

In balls, Tertulian gaiety ; 
Thus rapid pass the hours away 

In Pleasure's variable round, 
And damsels rule with gentle sway 

Some hearts by love-wrought fetters bound. * 
■ * * * But now arrives the unwelcome time 
To quit this hospitable clime : 
Again the pond'rous anchor's weigh'd ; 
Again the swelling sails are spread ; 
And lo ! on Plata's heaving tide, 
With fav'ring breeze, we gently glide, 
And, les'njng to our anxious view, 
Slowly the Mount and Towers withdrew. 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



Soon as the Watch Tower's height we lost 

Dimly appears th' opposing coast,— 

Seeming a line of dusky shade 

That on the river's edge is laid ; 

With studious care along we steer, 

Lest Ortiz dangerous bank be near, 

Or Chico, — like a bidden foe, 

Should dash and rive our prow below : 

Last, Buenos Ayres' Towers arise 

All faint, where meet the wave and skies ; 

And domes, and houses, sbadowy bound, 

Like summer clouds, th' horizon round- 

No nearer can we dare to close, 

For shoals, insidious, interpose, * * * * 

Transient our stay, on this unfriendly shore 

Inhospitality chills every hour ; 
Dispute embitters every passing day 
Where hold the Patriots their republic sway : 
At length, rejoiced, another course we steer'd, 
For there no friendship warmed — no kindness cheer'd. 
* * Where sad Colonia crowns the ample bay, 
Near Farallan's small isle, we bend our way, 
And soon her towers and humble mansions rise 
Silent ! — half-ruined ! — to our pitying eyes. 
The Imperial flag of high Brazil we own ; — 
Salutes from cannon shake the lowly town. 
Yet even here, where wars and havoc spread 
Their iron terrors o'er each humble shed — 



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39 



Where late the angry Heavens, with lightning's blast, 
Had laid large portions of the Fortress waste*, 
We meet with kindness, — and with kindness pay 
A due return, tho' brief our vessel's stay : 
For soon the welcome news, well pleased we hear, 
Towards "Video's land our Chief resolves to steer. 



* In August, 1822, the great Magazine blew up by accident, 
and destroyed a considerable part of the Town. 



40 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER VII. 



Return to Monte Video. 



Ere yet three days — three idle days — had flown, 

Behold us anchor'd near the wished for town. — 

Oh ! laDd devoid of every rural scene, 

The grove, the forest, and the village green ; 

The falling stream, the deep entangled dell, 

The wild rose, hawthorn, or the sweet blue bell ; 

The humble cottage on the mountain side, 

The ruined castle once the village pride ; 

The mouldering abbey, with dark ivy crown'd, 

The tottering arch, and sculptured tombs around ! 



And, in fact, all the 

appendages of rural and romantic views, one may 



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4L 



behold in England, are not to be met with in the 
extensive environs of Monte Video. ■ 

Ah no ! there only wide spread wastes appear, 
A dull, unvaried view throughout the year; 
Where numerous herds of cattle wildly feed, 
Doomed, for their hides alone, by man to bleed : 
And sluggish streams thro' sedges idly creep, 
Or wind along where stunted willows weep. 
A few, and but a few, fair gardens smile, 
As on the ocean many a lonely isle. — - 
In different parts the scattered Quintas crown 
The wide horizon of the extended down ; 
Bat yet, tho' rude the unpoetic land, 
Warm hospitality extends her hand, 
And animates my unpretending lay 
To tune its praise ; and gentle tribute pay 
To those whose kindness ever will impart 
A grateful feeling in my beating heart. 
Say then, my Muse, how passed the hours along, 
By music cheered, and feast, and dance, and song ; 
Day after day excursions, fetes, proposed, 
Turtulias lively, oft the evening closed. 
Now to explore the lofty Beacon's ground, 
Or wander to the friendly Quinta's round, 
Or, with a chosen few, we meet retired 
Where social converse every heart inspired ; 
Where Anna's cheerfulness, Lissarda's smile, 
Concepcion'i frankness, many an hour beguile ; 
Or Frances and her blooming children weave 
A spell,— to charm us many a quiet eve ; 

F 



42 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



Or where Mc Kinnon's mild and gentle mien — 
(Daughter of England) cheers each varied scene ; 
Or where Oriba's family display 
Their daughters, like the early hours of May : 
But, as the flowers of spring, alas ! too soon 
Fade Videon beauties in life's early noon ; 
Say, — what sad influence in this cheerful clime 
Anticipates the ruthless hand of time ? 
Alas ! I know not ! soon the blossom dies, 
And charms decay, save lustre beaming eyes ; 
And ringlets still, their jetty softness throw 
O'er the bright beams, that sparkle yet below. 
The mould'ring cottage windows, thus display 
(While all around is ruin and decay) 
O'er hung with ivy or the eglantine, 
A glowing ray, when evening's sun-beams shine. 
A few there are e'en past the noon of life, 
(Adelina's mother and kind Agel's wife) 
Like the last wreath which yellow Autumn binds, 
Ere every flower is cropt by wintry winds, — 
Still glow with beauty, and inspire delight 
Where ere they move, to th' admiring sight. 



" Pray how many more Ladies 
are you going to add to the list"?—" Oh! if you 
are weary I have done ; many others I could 
name, but not to make my Chapter too long, 1 will 
desist" — " But however envy may sneer, malice 



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43 



may scowl, or detraction invent, — this I will add, 
we found the Ladies of Monte Video charming 
companions, and estimable friends." 

Memo.] Always to devote the first glass 

(the cloth being drawn) to their health, happiness, 
and prosperity. 



44 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER VIII. 



The Cathedral. 

Monday, September 3. * * * "Let us 
go to the Cathedral, to day is a festival, we may- 
see something worth notice" — 

__«With all my heart" 

"Ah! I hear a band, we will first stop at the 

Parade" " A very tine regiment, and well 

appointed" 

— "The band is excellent" 

" Here is Don Fernando" 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 45 

-By the bye, Don Fernando 

(who is a gentleman of mild, elegant, and polished 
manners) is Aide-de-Camp to the worthy and brave 

Portuguese Governor, Don Alva*. We went 

to the Cathedral, the interior architecture of which 
is chaste, and remarkable for its simplicity ; the front 
being of brick, detracts greatly from its external 
beauty; and it i3 much injured by the British Artil- 
lery, at the time of the unfortunate expedition ! The 
roof is about 120 feet high, and the Cupola is 209 
feet above the level of the sea. The Towers are of 
an unequal height, one of them in an unfinished 
state* The interior consists only of a nave, two 
side aisles, and the chancel. The whole appears 

lighted only by the dome. 

We enter,— the sacred edifice is crowded — the 
ladies have each a square carpet (not unlike a hearth 
rug) which their servants bring after them, and on 
it they kneel, or sit ; — uo benches or pews being 



* The Portuguese held possession of the Town at this time. 



46 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

permitted, from the idea that as the Almighty knows 
no distinction of rank in religion, — no invidious or 
arrogant separations are observed, — no enormous 
enclosure to accommodate some great man of the 
place, to the exclusion of the poorer and more lowly 
christian, who (while the former lolls at his ease in 
his well-stuffed, nicely-cushioned box) stands 
humbly in the cold aisle : however, I believe the 
good sense, as well as good taste, which is 
beginning to prevail in England, has swept away 
in many of the Churches, those odious and 
unsightly distinctions; and the body of the nave, 
is, in several places, left clear for the accommo- 
dation of the lower classes of Society, the view 
no longer impeded, and architectural beauties are 
again visible. 

# * * & The Cathedral is crowded, all 
in kneeling devotion ; how awful is this silence ! 
not a whisper disturbs the still profound ! — Hark ! 
the solemn organ breaks forth, softly stealing its 
deep, low notes upon the ear : 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 47 

"Kyrie Eleison! Christe Eleison" ! 

A mellow light is mildly shed o'er the distant 
sanctuary, from the high tapers of the altar, before 
which stand a venerable pastor^ with two deacons 
in sacerdotal robes, — clouds of incense fill the 
dome ! — Hark I how the mingled voices of the 
choir echo thro' the vaulted roof; now the sacred 
strain rises trembling in the air; now sinks in 
murmuring numbers thro' the aisles. — The preacher 
ascends the pulpit! — an artillery like thunder in the 
arcade without, announces the commencement 
of the discourse. 

On the vain pursuits of Man, and ike 
blessings of Religion. 

(I will not follow the orator through the progress 
of his instruction, — but let a few sentences suffice)* 
What is alas, the history of Man ? 

What toils, what cares, hypocrisy, or strife, 
A busy, troubled, or a guilty life ; 
Roam thro' the world, how difficult to find 
A tranquil, blameless, and contented mind ! 



48 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



From youth to age, behold the feverish tide 
Of restless change, thro' all our senses glide ; 
See how, thro' life, some fancied good to gain, 
We crush each virtue, in pursuits — how vain ! 
And thoughtless, thus we fritter time away, 
Till death o'ershades the evening of our day. 
Have you not seen the gaudy insect wild, 
Pursued with ardour by the heedless child ; 
Who o'er the garden wings his little feet, 
Trampling each roseate bud and flow'ret sweet, 
Of far more value than the worthless fly, 
That lures him onward and attracts his eye? 
We trample virtue thus, for splendid state, 
Nor heed her beauties, — 'till alas, too late ! 
And, oh ! believe no earthly rank or state, 
However wealthy, or however great, 
Can e'er bestow on its possessor's heart, 
The pure delights religion can impart. 
Waste not for power or wealth life's transient day, 
Bat seek that crown, that " fadeth not away" ; 
Quit, quit your sins, — know each repentant sigh 
Is duly marked, and registered on high ; 
Mercy records them with an aspect bland, 
And stays the vengeance of th' Almighty hand.— - 

***** 

The high altar is extremely neat, devoid of 
paintings, carved work, or images, &c* a few 



* Note.— And in my humble opinion so ought all altars to be. 



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49 



plain pillars, separated by simple white paimels 
and gold mouldings, form the altar-piece; in the 
centre of which is the tabernacle, white and gold, 
resembling a , model of a grecian temple. There 
are eight other altars in the aisles, perfectly plain 
in themselves, and remarkable only for the mean 
and paltry taste displayed in the few decorations 
placed on them. The 1 paintings are not many, and 
three only appear to have any claim to notice — 
these even are poor: viz. — one on each side the 
arch of the sanctuary, and the head of an aged 
personage over the second altar, from the entrance 

in the south aisle. The rest are mere daubs. • 

Service is concluding, 

the priest is reading that fine and impressive 
chapter, the 1st of St. John's Gospel, with which 
the mass always concludes. The folding doors 
at the entrance of the nave are thrown open, and 

the congregation departing.- " Stay, do let 

us wait under the arcades, the ladies are making 
their appearance". 



50 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

Tedious would it be to relate all the remarks 
which unfeigned admiration drew from us, on the 
sparkling eyes of some we beheld glowing with 
animation ; or the mild and chastened brightness of 
others, beneath the shade of the deep dark lash, 
which spake hearts restrained by a sense of 
recent devotion and pious meditation — the pensive 
.sadness of a wounded spirit — or the resigned 

affliction of fallen fortunes : in a land so long 

the theatre of contests and revolutions, many, 
alas ! of such may be found.- 

" That tall stranger, you observed, still lingers 

in the southern aisle. There is a wild 

mystery in his aspect, and his gigantic form, 
enveloped in that sable mantle, gives him a 
supernatural air — he stops, and looks with an 
appearance of caution and suspicion around — he 

leans on the altar of St. * * * * his stern 

countenance is now hidden by the hand on which 

he supports his dark and lowring brow nearly 

all beside have departed— he raises his head, let 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



51 



us draw near and observe him ah ! it is too 

late, the Cathedral doors are shutting" ; — we turn 

away disappointed, and our curiosity baffled. 

Memo.] — To endeavour to find out who or what 
he is. ****** * 

* * * * The bustle, that so lately 
animated the Plaza, is over, and but few persons 

promenade the almost deserted streets. — 

"Suppose we go to Mr. D V -And 

here, dear children ! I first had the pleasure of 
meeting you. 

* * * * What a relaxation from the vain 
converse of the world, to observe your juvenile 
pleasures, to regard your infant sports, and hear 
the artless effusions of innocence and truth. 
Long, amiable Sita and Mariequita, may you 
continue as uncorrupt and guileless as you now are ! 
* * * * * We p roce ed to Mr. P-— — _' s , 
kind, good old man ! a true british heart united to 
the bland and gentlemanly deportment of the old 
school. 



52 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

Our dinner party was as agreeable as a lively 
and entertaining interchange of thought and senti- 
ment, united to a neat and well spread table, and 

a cordial welcome, could make it. Mr. and 

Mrs. McK n and Mrs. G were there, 

and we closed a most sociable and pleasant day, 
by returning on board at nine o'clock. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



53 



CHAPTER IX. 



Dressing in a hurry — the Landing Place — the 
Dinner and Ball — Harrietie and Home. 

September 9. " Are you inclined to dine to 

day at ? A large party will be present, 

and among them many of our Spanish Belles". 

" Oh certainly ; — the weather is delightful, not 
a ripple disturbs the wide expanse of the ample 
silver river. Do we all go" ? 

" Our excellent captain and worthy messmates 
are all ready — so lose no time". 

" Edwards, — come, be quick ; get my roast 



54 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

beef coat, and lay out all my traps". 

Your best, Sir" ? — " Best every thing — 

do bear a hand— X shall be late". 

" Out upon it ! — where have I laid the towel ? 
— — There, — one of ray sleeve buttons has 
dropped, — hand the light* — take care, you booby, 
—you'll set fire to my hair, — Oh, here it is ! — so, 
that will do". 

" Dear! dear! what is the matter with this 
boot, I can neither get it on or off. — Hark ! what 
pipe is that" ? 

" They are calling the boat's crew, Sir".— • 

" There, there, take away the boot — give me 

those. Do you call this blacked" ? (" The boat 

is manned, Sir"- " Coming in an instant") " 1 

did 'em Sir wi' Warren's Blacking" " Did 

'em Sir ! they're not half done — give me the other 
on the chest there — where are your eyes ? — over 
there, I mean". 



* There were no Scuttle Lights in the cabins of this ship. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 55 

" The captain is waiting, Sir". 

" Do, Travers, beg him to wait one moment 

longer — 1 am just ready — I where are my 

gloves ? — Ah that's right — now" 

11 The captain says we shall be late on shore, 
Sir" ~ 

" I'll be on deck in a moment — my sword 

knot, Edwards — quick — there — there put it on any 
how — so — now I am off". — 

u I beg your pardon, Sir, I am sorry to have 

kept you waiting" Oh never mind, jump 

into the boat" a 

" Stay, stay, hold on ; I have forgotten my 
cloak — below there — tell my servant to hand up 
my cloak that will do — shove off" 

We are soon on shore, 

The landing place at Monte Video is one of the 
best I ever saw. — It consists of an immense stage 
or platform, raised on massive piles, in the water ; 
— it is surrounded by a railing and benches, — a 
considerable part is roofed over as a shelter from 



56 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



rain, — and is lighted at night with large glass 

lamps. Wheels and cranes are fixed in different 

parts, for the convenience of loading and unloading 
boats ; — and there are three ascents to it by as 

many flights of stairs.- The whole of this useful 

erection is kept in good repair, and well painted : 
you descend from the platform a few steps on the 
pier or quay, defended towards the liver by some 
neglected cannon; — passing them, you find a low 
building, with a piazza, which is partly, 1 believe, 
designed for Custom-house Officers, and partly for 
a Militia Guard : — another Guard-house (a mean 
dirty-looking hovel) fronts you, which leaving a 
little to the left, you proceed forward up the main 
street " Calle san Filipe" — and there I must leave 
you, or I shall be too late for dinner. 

The feast was set, — each ready guest 
Around iu order due was placed ; 
The table bowed beneath the load 
Of all (luxurious and good) 
Which Video reared, or England gave* 
And wafted hither o'er the wave : 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



57 



There, France, thy gen'rous wines appear, 
The breast to joy, the heart to cheer ; 
And, Spain, thy fruits the banquet crowned, 
While flagrant tapers blazed around. 
With kind attention to each guest, 
The host his ready viands press'd ; 
And kindly too, with courtesy 
Unfeigned, and hospitality, 
The amiable hostess vied 
To see each welcome friend supplied. 
Wild, and yet sweet as morning air, 
That revels o'er the floweret fair, — 
Two beauteous, lively children graced 
A table near the genial feast ; 
But tho' retired from taper's blaze, 
And unobtrusive to the gaze — 
All lovely seemed each little maid, 
Like violet white in dark green shade ; 
And in that shade — the goblet's brink, 
Glittering with wine drops as they drink, 
Seems with a frost of diamonds crowned, 
That blush upon the rim around. 
Methought that Fairy power, intent 
Upon the festal hour, had sent 
Two smiling Cherubs from on high 
To consecrate the revelry. — 

" Come, Gentlemen, — the music summons us 
away, and the Senoras of Video await our 
approach". — The fluttering of innumerable fans, 
with a grace and meaning peculiar only to the 

H 



58 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

daughters of Spain, announce our welcome — but, 
to encounter the brilliancy of such eyes is a 
matter of some debate — it is dangerous to enter, 
it is rude to retire.— — 

" Come ! why do you stand gazing at the door? 

let us go in". I dont know a word of 

their language — 1 fear 1 shall cut a sorry figure"! 

"Not at all, not at all— go on.— -Do you fear 
to meet those dark fires"? 

" You are not apprehensive of meeting them, 
because you have a talisman to protect you" ! 

" Yes ! an inestimable shield ! Her name, 

which is now far, too far, distant in my dear and 
lowly cottage, is a talisman sufficiently potent to 
defend me against all the lustre combined here to 
grace this fairy scene ! and render my heart im- 
penetrable to every witchery". — — — 

Need I relate what ensued? how gracefully 
Carolina moved in the opening minuet? how simply 
elegant the two attractive sisters, Lissarda and 
Concepcione, were dressed, &c. &c. — How lively 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



59 



my mess-mates how fascinating the numerous 
Donnas ?— The room was like a gay garden of 
blooming flowers.— — — * * * * * " Here 
soldier, suppose we retire and change our dresses ? 
You shall introduce me in your uniform"- — 

* * * 'Twas done, and the newly-enlisted 
red coat glittered thro' the dance, exciting the mirth 
and surprise of our fair friends ; all was hilarity, 
all good humour within — but without, the gathered 
storm (which in this climate is as sudden as it is 
violent) pealed in awful thunderings round the 
hospitable mansion, intruding its deep and sullen 
murmurs in the softer intervals of the music; — the 
taper's flame turned pale at the terrific blaze which 
the accompanying lightning threw along the iron 
gallery, round the Patio, and on the lofty 
windows.- * * * * 

The dances continued.- " I like the Spanish 
dances, they are very graceful ; — 1 like the Spanish 

music, it is simple and plaintive ;— I like— but 

there is a summons to the supper room". 



60 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



" Lissarda, will you accept my arm indeed you 

ought to speak English, 1 know you understand it 

very well what ! not a word ? well then, I 

must try to understand your Spanish". — 

The ladies are seated — the supper excellent — the 
gentlemen officiate as carvers or waiters, and 
presume not to participate until their fair com- 
panions return to the ball room ; then a zest is 
given to every sparkling glass by toasting the 
successive names of those retired. — Bumper follows 
bumper, but music interferes with her subduing 
melody, and recalls us from the insidious cup. 

The dance recommences, and but I will 

conclude in the usual paragraph style, viz. — that 
the company separated at a late (or rather early) 
hour, highly delighted with their entertainment". 
" Ah — you have cut me out, I intended to have 

convoy'd Donna- home, but you are always 

crossing my path" " Ha ! ha ! ha ! then 

you should have kept a brighter look out— — good 
night". "Buenas noches, Signoras" -"adios"! 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



61 



" 'tis too late to go on board, let us proceed to 
the American Hotel". 

Many of my readers must have experienced the 
soft and pleasing languor which is apt to steal over 
the senses on quitting a busy scene, where the 
spirits have been unusually exhilirated by the sur- 
rounding gaiety. — 

On retiring to repose, reflection presented 

Home, and all its peaceful, tranquil delights to my 
mind, and gave rise to the following ideas : ■ 

Is there not magic in the name of Home 

That charms the heart, whatever climes we roam ? 

In realms where bloom the deep enchanting vale, 

Where woods luxuriant cast a sombre shade, 
Where groves of orange perfume every gale, 

And palm and mangoe rear the lofty head ; 

In realms where spring and summer, hand in hand, 

Reign sister queens o'er all the happy land ; 

Or where I've wandered in delightful hours, 

'Mongst citron shades, and ever-blooming bowers. 

Tho' I have rambled far in many a clime, 

And gazed with rapture on each view sublime, 

Alive to nature's power in every scene, 

From the wild mountain to the meadow green 

In evening's calm and aromatic breath, 

In raging tempests, and impending death ; — 



62 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



From cheerful mora with " gold and balmy wing", 

Awakening all the balmy flowers of spring ; — 

From burning day's insufferable heat, 

To the cool fountain, and the dark retreat 

Tho' all by turns delight or awe bestowed 

—Raising the mind to Heaven and to God — 

The sacred name of Home would still prevail, * 

And waft my thoughts to Taraar's humble vale. 

■»■» ■ Oh ! Home, whate'er it be, whate'er the spot, 

The splendid palace, or the lowly cot ; 

Whate'er the fate that we are called to share— 

The ease of wealth — or poverty and care ; 

Whether the mud-walled hut or marble dome 

Be his man glories in its name of — Home !— 

* * Even now my ardent thoughts, on rapid wing, 

T'ward the loved magnet — Home, impetuous spring — 

In vivid fancy's colouring recall 

Its jasmin'd porch and ivy-sprinkled wall ; * 

They, every shrubs— they, every tree renew, 

From twining roses to the sable yew — 

Rear the tall cypress and the laurel'd bower, 

The spreading elms that shade the humbler flower ; 

The od'rous myrtle and each lofty pine, 

That mark the home I fondly hail as mine : 

There, too, imagination shews my boys 

Sportive in innocent and artless joys ; 

And H -tte of each scene the light and life, 

Whether as tender parent, friend, or wife; 
In every grace, which virtue gives, arrayed — 
How oft oy memory faithfully pourtrayed. 



* The East Front and Shrubbery toward the Garden. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



63 



Oh ! 'tis the thought of home that cheers our way 

As thro' the regions of the world we stray ; 
And hope still bids us, wheresoe'er we roam, 
Indulge the vision, while she points to — Home. 



64 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER X. 



The Canfields — American Hotel — Matin Hymn. 

And shall I leave unnoticed in my remarks the 
respectable and much-respected Canfields ? surely 
not. Let the stranger who visits Monte Video 
make the American Hotel his head quarters- 
there he will meet every kindness and attention 
from the worthy people ; who, as well as the 
numerous guests at the Table d'Hote, are from 
the United States. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 65 

-Nothing in the house bears a resemblance 

to our Inns ; all is quiet, tranquil, domestic, 
friendly, and polite. 

- — -The man who delights to assume the air of 
consequence, the tone of command, and insulting 

authority— must not go there. 

The man who loves to give as much trouble as 
he can, and thinks to atone for it by an affectation 
of generosity— — —must not go there. 

Your mighty prudent man, who counts out his 
reluctant pennies, one by one, d-o-l-ing out the 
reckoning with a cavil at every item— — —must 
not go there. 

The languid, insipid-essenced, lisping auto- 
maton, whb requires every dainty for his depraved 
appetite, and a crowd of servile dependants to 
wait his nod, and to run his insignificant errands 

must not go there. 

In short, those only who are fond of domestic 
comfort, of agreeable conversation and rational 
society, who neither like to give trouble or be put 



66 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

out of their usual routine, should go to this house, 

where I have passed so many pleasant hours. 

September 10th, Wednesday. — This morning I 
arose (as is the custom here) with the sun, after a 
very short repose, it being not very far from day 
break when I retired to rest. The mornings are 
almost always fine, clear, and cheerful; with 
renovated spirits I prepared to walk : the bell of 
the Franciscan Church, calling the pious to Matins 
and early Mass, suggested the following hasty- 
written production, in humble imitation of 
Psalmody : — — 

1 Oh ! come, let us bow before the Lord, let 
us go forth unto his Tabernacle ; 

2 For the sun ariseth, and rejoiceth to run his 
course ; the outgoings of the morning are upon the 
holy mountain. 

3 The Lord ruleth the day and night ; at the 
voice of his word the darkness passeth away. 

4 The valleys rejoice on every side ; the hills 
are crown' d with his glory. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 67 

5 Awake, oh ye people, before the Lord ; 
arise, and give unto the Lord due honor and glory", 
oh cover your head in his presence ; 

6 For to God belongeth due glory and praise, 
but to us confusion of heart, 

7 Lo ! we have done evil before thee, but stay 
thine hand, and we shall live. 

8 For a new day is risen upon us, and the 
dews of the valley are as the stars passing away. 

9 Come, let us turn unto the Lord, and forsake 
our ways, and cast off the darkness of sin. 

10 As the morning scattereth the night, and 
the sun dispelleth the cloud, even so cast we away 
our iniquities. Oh deliver our souls from the deep pit. 

11 And the Lord will remember our trans- 
gressions no more, and the brightness of his mercy 
shall shine upon us for ever : 

12 And the darkness of night shall no more 
overshadow us. In the kingdom of heaven the 
beams of his glory shall illumine our souls to all 
eternity ! 

«Jf »ji 5jr 3jJ ifc 3fc 



68 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

The walk and breakfast over, we called at the 
Agells, and passed some pleasant hours with them, 
then reluctantly took leave and returned on board. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



69 



CHAPTER XL 



The Seaman's Story — a Trip to the Mount. 

Some days passed in a quiet routine of friendly 
intercourse. Sunday, 13th. After the usual services 
I accompanied our excellent Captain in a walk, and 
on our way called at Mrs. Darby's ; the amiable 
little daughters assiduously strove to amuse me with 
a display of the beautiful engravings of the interior 
of the royal palaces, &c. by Ackerman. 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



* * * * Our subsequent walk in the 
environs of the Town, season'd by agreeable 
conversation, rendered the time until the hour of 
dinner, delightful.— I need not enter into a detail 
of every day's employment, which, however 
interesting to myself, cannot be so to my 
readers. ***** 

" But pray think you any thing you have 
already written is a matter of interest" ? 

" It is hardly fair to ask me such a question. 
Heigh ho ! well, at any rate, scribbling amuses me, 
and my remarks will together make a book, and 
that is the great aim of many a modern author". 

Tuesday, September 16th. — " Who will go to 
the mount this morning" ? — the question requires 
not to be repeated. 

" Fine and inviting weather — two boats are 

manned — now for the shore. Come, I'll tell 

you a seaman's story, 'pour passer le temps', 
until we reach the landing place ; it was related to 
me many years ago, by an old officer, who had jt 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



71 



as a tradition of that time, when war was awakened 
in our revolted Colonies. 

A Ship of old date, which long had lain by 

In a harbour, as snug as a pig in a stye, 

Was at length by surveyors and shipwrights declared 

Thoroughly worthy of being repaired ; — 

Well, to it they went, and in time she appeared 

An edifice new, on old foundations reared ; 

But when they attempted once more to make sail, 

Old age in her keel made her timbers to fail ; 

This being discovered, 'twas declared she should be 

A Guard Ship, and never more venture to sea. 

Yet a voyage she must make, a few miles to Spithead ; 

Some Lieutenants were summon'd— the service thought dead, 

(That is u on the shelf" and " dead to employ") 

For the youngest, whose mess-mate's called only a boy, 

Was thirty years standing, and sixty years old; 
The rest in proportion (at least so I'm told) 

Appointed to suit the old vessel, no doubt ; 

But the question remained — how was she to get out? 

For each had grown rusty, so long out of date, 

That nautical knowledge had fled from each pate ; 

But true to old times, the old boys straight prepared, 

First a swinging War Trumpet, to make themselves heard ; 

A broomstick, boot stockings, large wig, and a hat 

Of triangular shape, and all sides quite flat ; 

Plush breeches of crimson, half- faded away, 

Which long had lain by from the light of the day ; 

And a coat of the cut of a century past — - 

Thus equipp'd, they commenced operations at last : 



72 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



But woe all the while ! when the capstan was manned, 
For want of remembrance, all stay'd at a stand ! 
The name of each sail, each^rope, and each brace, 

Was scarcely recognised with rueful long face 

The First on the men at the bars laid the blame; — 
The other Lieutenants, of course, did the same. 
" Heave, heave", cried the senior, with wig all awry, 
" Why heave men, I say", then adds, with a sigh, 
" Ah ! Mr. Ben Hawser, these were not the ways 

Of unmooring a ship in our happy days 

Then, one man was as strong as five now can be — 

Ah me ! lack-a-day ! that such times we should see" I 

" Heave, heave", cried the others, with trumpet so big, 

They roar'd 'till the curls, trembling, rose on each wig. 

* ( Look Hawser, 'tis vain to these fellows to talk, 

This wasn't the way in the days of our Hawke ; 

Oh ! ye dogs, loose the stay-sail— if I could but up get 

On them bitts there, you fellers, I'd make you all sweat". 

So spoke the old premier, yet trembling with age, 

And a voice rendered weak with emotions of rage. 

At length under sail — other cares are in view ! 

A hulk is a head — what course to pursue — 

A council they call ! a council most sage ! 

If wisdom consists in huge wigs of great age !- 

'Twas safest to tack, they agreed altogether, 

And tack so they did — but in vain could they weather 

The hulk, for as often as near it they came, 

The tide or the wind made them fetch it the same ; 

And baffled all skill 'till about the third day, 

When the wind blew so fair they could stand far away. 

But what with attention to form and to rule, 

And all the preciseness of Neptune's old school, 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



73 



They managed so well, thinking danger was past, 
That their rudder was caught in a buoy-rope at last ; 
The old ship stopped her course, and useless their art, 
All the sail they could make not a jot would she start ; 
When behold! on the taffrail, up jerks the old boy, 

And hails thro' his trumpet "Ho ! Frigate, a hoy, 

(For with spectacles saddled exact 'fore his eyes, 

He found out the cause with most mighty surprise) 

Our rudder is fonl of your buoy-rope, I see, 

Pray send a hand down and set us all free". 

The Luffs of the Frigate were dashing and young, 

And quizzed the old hero with freedom of tongue ; 

He raved, they but laugh'd, and enjoyed the good joke, 

When lo ! at[that[moment, the buoy-rope was broke '. 

Once more they are freed, all obstacles past, 

With joy they attain a good anchorage at last ; 

Where they daily lament, thus employed on the station, 

How altered the state of the Navy and Nation ! ! ! 

Calling on, and collecting the party — we are 
soon in our boats — about 17 in all, exclusive of 

servants, boats' crews, &c. Every thing is 

favourable ; a clear and smiling atmosphere and 
smooth water; we proceed across the extensive 
Bay from the Town to the Mount; we land with 
some difficulty, near a surf, and over a ridge of 

sharp rocks much scrambling, slipping, and 

laughing— the parties separate, and the sides of 

K 



74 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

the lofty mount is dotted over with gay groupes. 
I should like to learn the various topics of conver- 
sation a few detached sentences float along the 

gentle breeze- " Fairy Town" — " you know 

English" ? " no mucho, no se casi nada" — " how 
small the shipping appear' — " affection" — " thank 
you" — " bright eyes"— " take care" — " English 
ladies" — " que vergiienza" ! — " inconstant" — " I 
give yon my word that" — " pretty flowers" — 
" beware" — " snakes in the grass" — " numerous" 
— u coral " — " dangerous" — " Islands of Flores" — 
"large ships" — "no me olvides" — "offing" — 
" yonder rivulet"—" Quinta ,? — " Church"—" dia 
de fiesta"—" indeed" !— " San Lorenzo"—" 10th 
August my day !" — " Lissarda" — " porque no habla 
vin" ? — " it is very steep" — " 1 am quite fatigued" — 
" silk stockings" — " hace gran calor" — " Ancles" 
— " soon there "— " thistles "— " sharp "— " wild 

flowers"—" take care Louisa". Arrived at last? 

a little fatigued ; after resting awhile on the ramparts 
of the Forts, that crown the summit, we walk 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 75 

round it and enjoy the view, tho' if we except the 
Town, Bay, and Shipping, which appear in 
miniature below us, and the distant isle of Flores, 
there is nothing particularly interesting to the eye. 
On one side a waste of immeasurable extent, un- 
cultivated and cheerless, and on the other the 
inconstant waters of the wide and fickle Plata. A 
few country houses, with gardens, are scatter'd two 
or three miles from the town ; and the cheerless 
ruins of the Cordon, or the environs, formerly con- 
taining 6,000 inhabitants, now ruined and deserted, 
are all that break the sombre uniformity that every 

where presents itself — War ! horrid war ! and 

civil commotion have marked with ruthless and 

unsparing hand the desolated scene Artigas, 

when he rebelled against his royal master and joined 
the Buenos Ayreans, carried fire and sword through 
this devoted spot ; in January, 1817, he was driven 
hence by the Portuguese, and 'tis said he is now 

a prisoner in Paraguay Since then the inhabitants 

of Monte Video have enjoyed a comparative tran- 



76 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

quility ; long, long, may they be preserved from a 
renewal of such scenes ; my wishes for their pros- 
perity and peace, will ever be ardent and sincere ! 

The Town is expected soon to surrender to the 

arms of His Imperial Majesty of Brazil, but this 
is an event rather to be desired, than dreaded, by 
the people, since Portugal is either unwilling or 
unable to afford them succour ; and, in the present 

state of affairs, trade is at a stand. 1 believe 

Monte Video does not contain above one-fourth of 
the population she possessed previous to the un- 
happy rebellion of the South American Provinces : 
—but more of this anon*. 



* Since the above was written, I lament to find, fresh 
iroubles have broken out in this Province. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



77 



CHAPTER XII. 



The Mount — the Light House — an Assassination — 
the Funeral. 

" Come ladies ! step up here — you have not 

seen the light room". We ascend the spiral 

stone stair-case of the beacon; — a very small 
circular room, or rather lanthorn, receives us; — 
the windows round, dirty, and out of repair, have 
shelves affixed to them, supporting iron saucers filled 
with fat and large cotton wicks; — such is the famed 
light house of Monte Video ! with much merri- 
ment, squeezing, and stumbling, we wind down 



78 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

the dark turret — " pray mind where you step" — 
" si signor" — " see ! can you ? why then your 
bright eyes have the advantage of mine". And 
now bets commence the gentlemen must try their 
skill in running, jumping, &c. — a chase, a chase 
round the fortress— W — d mounts on the Azotea, 
and, with a lazo, attempts to entangle the racers, 
but tho' well skilled in this art, peculiar to the 
country, he fails to arrest the progress of the agile 
antagonists below. The fresh gale, rising with 
majestic clouds from the horizon, warns the lively 
party to descend to their boats; this operation 
proves more toilsome than the ascent — no easy 
matter to embark — a heavy swell has arisen, but at 

length — all safe ! 'The way to the ship (where 

we dine) is cheered with songs, Spanish and 

English. -Arrived on board, and seated at our 

worthy Captain's table, we pass the remainder of 
the day as joyous as we commenced it ; one, only, 
toward the close of our festivity, ceased to smile ; 
a gloom spread itself over his hitherto animated 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



79 



countenance; some report had been whispered 
into his hear, by a Midshipman; unwilling to dis- 
turb the harmony of the company, the cause was 
not revealed:until their departure, and on our return 
from escorting them home, at 11 at night, we 
learnt that one of our crew had been assassinated ! 
" In the midst of life we are in death". 
Little thought poor Powers, when he left the 
ship in the morning, his thread of life was so nearly 
spun ! 

The day following was passed in preparations 
for his funeral, it being resolved for several reasons 
(unnecessary to relate at present) to give him as 
public a one as possible. 

Methinks I hear the self-important and self- 
satisfied John Bull, turning his pudding head round 
with pompous gravity, exclaiming — "Aye, aye, that 
is always the way with these outlandish foreign folk, 
your Spaniards, Portuguese, &c. nothing will do 
for them but the stiletto and knife — a pack of as™ 
sassinatious dogs! We never" "Pray Mr. 



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Bull do you ever read the papers"? "To be sure 

I do" "Well then, taking it on an average one 

with another, how many murders, the most base ! 
the most cruel ! the most brutal ! do you there find 
registered weekly" ? "Oh that's another thing, I say 
when we have a quarrel we use no cold steel, we 
box it out manfully". " Look over the papers again, 
under the article Pugilism, and what do you most 
frequently find the result" ? 

" You talk of the cruelty of Bull-Fights, &c. 
and most shamefully cruel they certainly are, I seek 
not to defend them ; but, look at home, and can- 
didly say what are your Boxing-Matches, Horse- 
Races, Cock-Fightings, &c. Before you censure 
other nations, my good John, look at home; depend 
on it in all countries, even the most civilized, there 
is much to be amended. * * * * 

Memo.] I fear my countrymen are too much in 
the habit of ridiculing the customs, manners, and 
religion of foreigners ; and it consequently follows, 
I believe nine times out of ten, if an Englishman 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 81 

be assassinated abroad it arises from his own folly, 
or the boasted superiority which he claims. * * 
In this case however, no blame could be attached 
to poor Powers; a fray had arisen in the street, 
(who were the parties I know not) he kindly went 
to separate the combatants, when a blow from an 
unseen hand covered him with blood— the fatal 
knife was left buried in the wound — the villainous 
murderer fled, but not unseen — he was a Portuguese 
soldier, but could never after be discovered. 

The poor man was carried to the Military 
Hospital, but the total absence of comfort there, 
rendered his removal to the ship immediately 
necessary : every thing that our skilful and attentive 
Surgeon could do, was done — but in vain ! — — 

I never recollect a common sailor buried with 

Military honours before; though, certainly that 

mark of honourable respect is as much due to him, 

as to a private soldier ; indeed, he is entitled to it 

whenever entombed on shore : and T think the 

attendance of a Marine guard on these melancholy 

L 



s 



82 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

occasions, would have the effect of lessening that 
jealousy which still too much exists between the 

two services. 

This day, Thursday, 1 8th September, was serene , 
and the sky unclouded : every thing being prepared, 
the boats put off in procession, with pendants and 
ensigns half-masthigh — the Pinnace, with the corpse 
in a neat Coffin, covered with the Union, part of 
the Marine Guard in full uniform, with the Assistant 
Surgeon, Midshipmen, &c— the Cutter, with the 
remainder of the Guard, a Lieutenant of the Ship, 
Mates, &c. — the Gig, with the Captain, First 
Lieutenant, and myself. On landing, we were joined 
by others ; the Guard formed, and proceeded, with 
arms reversed, at a slow pace, with fife and muffled 
drum playing the Portuguese Hymn, called in Latin 
Venite Adoramus. The Coffin was borne by Sea- 
men, with crape round their left arms — Seamen 
— English Merchants and Residents, (who now 
joined in) in mourning — Midshipmen — Assistant 
Surgeon — Lieutenants and Captain closed the 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



83 



Procession. Having passed through several streets 
we proceeded to a mouldering fort, a mile and a 
half distant, the Guard there forming a lane, leaning 
on arms reversed ; the Body and its Attendants 
then passing through. It formed again by the side 
of the grave. 

The Captain commenced " I am the Resurrec- 
tion and the Life, &c." — three vollies concluded the 
solemn ceremony, amid a large crowd of Videon 
spectators. ****** 

***** Happy would it be if this 
awful scene impressed upon our minds " The one 
thing needful", and engaged us, while so eagerly 
pursuing the shadowy advantages of this deceptive 
world, in frequent meditations on, and preparations 
for, the inevitable fate that awaits us here, and the 

final disposal of us hereafter. Think ! reader, 

Oh think ! the inevitable fiat has gone forth — the 
Son of Man cometh at an hour ye know not of — it 
may be this night! — it may be even before you 
have concluded the perusal of this chapter; — in vain 



84 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



you recoil at the idea — forward you must go — die 

you must ! 

Here let me pause ! — 

Oh say, my trembling soul, 

Since o'er existence thou hast no controul 

Since no evasion, no ingenious art, 

Can shield thy body from Death's powerful dart ; 

Are yon prepared to meet the fatal blow, 

Are you prepared from this vain world to go ? 

Are you prepared, my soul, to leave unmoved 

A world too much regretted, too much loved? 

Are you prepared from this vain world to fly 

And meet the terrors of th' Almighty eye ? 

Or if with mercy all his glories shine, 

Ah ! can you hope those mercies will be thine ? 

Think ! is thy partner body then to be 

Sharer of happiness — or misery ? 

How hast thou lived ? Ah can you thence infer 

A hope, the Almighty will in mercy spare ? 

Oh ! let reflection wake the contrite soul— 

Oh ! Holy Spirit all my heart controul : 

Let deep repentance drop the conscious tear, 

And hope, consoling, teach me not to fear. 

While looking to the CROSS, the ransom paid. 

Let love and gratitude my heart pervade ; 

Holy and watchful to my latest breath, 

Let me be ready for the hand of Death. * * * * 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



85 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Canalones. 

We dined, after the burial, at Mr. P — s, 

where most of those who had attended met us ; 
but previous to which we called at Don Agell's, 
and passed an hour or two in the society of his 
agreeable daughters. 

Many of the party returned that night 

on board, but I preferred remaining some days 

passed in a round of visits — most of the time I 
could spare was pleasantly disposed of at the 
hospitable mansion of Mr, D by's. 



86 



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Do you think some fair syren drew me thither ? 
Ah no! my companions were children — 1 contrived 
that my conversations, amusements, and occupa- 
tions, should be in unison with their tastes. 
How refreshing it is to quit the bustle of a 
deceptive world, to retire from the hacknied, 
artificial, unmeaning, and worse intercourse with 
its votaries, and seek the pure enjoyment derived 
from the artless society of Childhood. * * * * 

* * * * " Suffer little Children to come 
unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven", 
said our heavenly Master; and surely nothing can 
be more delightful than the guileless prattle and 
playfulness of early youth. 

— 1 would rather devote my hours to 

the nursery than to all the gaieties, allurements, 
and festivities, the hollow-hearted society can give. 

1 love to see a group of infants at their childish 
sports. 1 regard a child as the fairest and most 
beautiful flower of creation ; but yet, when I regard 
the thoughtless, lively cherubs, and reflect that the 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 87 

cares, toils, sorrows, and disappointments of life, and 
even the baleful contagion of its vices, may but too 
soon convert the smile into a tear, and stain the 
fair tablets of their innocent minds, 1 am unable to 

repress a sigh of sad apprehension and regret. 

My dear little friends, Louisa and Mariequita, do 
infinite credit to the care their truly intelligent 
and accomplished mother has bestowed on 
them. * * * * 

September 19th. A walk, and a long one, 1 
took to day, presented very little worth remark— a 
few country residences and gardens, the only 
prospect amongst innumerable ruins — in returning, 
the Town looks well on the land side — it has been 
a strong place, but now, the crumbling, neglected 

fortifications only evince its weakness. The 

weather is very variable at times, but yet the 
climate is preferable to that of England ; here, the 
sun is seldom veiled, while weeks may pass before 
you are blessed with his glorious appearance at 
home, at least, in my native place — Devonshire. 



83 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



October 1st. — I am on board at last — 1 see 
something like preparations for a journey. 

— — " Whither bound" ? — 

—"For Canalones" ' — " Humph! 

where on earth is that" ? " A small Town 

about 30 miles hence, the head quarters of the 

Brazilian Force f " Commanded by Baron 

Laguna" ?- 

The same, General Le Cor that was, 

who commanded under the Duke of Wellington". 

" I believe him a very brave man, but I know 
not how to excuse his quitting his royal master's 
standard and abandoning his governorship, and 
his being now here in arms against his comrades, 
against that Video in which he had so recently ruled 
to the satisfaction of the citizens, and with credit to 
himself. To his exertions, I am told, they owe their 
fine Landing Place, and the better paving and 
lighting of the town ; grateful as they are, for his 
past services, what can they now think of him" ? 

"Well, no matter what he is, or 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



89 



what he has been — we are going to wait on 
him". 

-"How do you go"? " In a 

Carnage" * * * * 

Now, the Carriages used in Monte Video are 
mere vans of wood, painted dark green, with a 
door in the rear — they are mounted on two lofty 
wheels, and are generally drawn by mules or 
horses, fastened by hide ropes — no springs, I 

believe there are not more than four of these 

vehicles in the place. 

Oct. 2nd. Very comfortably situated at good 

Mr. P % with several of our fair Spanish 

friends, who entertained us with many pieces of 
music on the piano. — By the bye, all the Monte 

Video ladies play and sing. " 1 thank you, 

Lissarda" " Now, Anna, will you oblige us"? 

— * Hush ! here is a Carriage" — the rumbling 

van stops, and our messmates appear". — 

" How have you enjoyed your ex- 
cursion — how did the old General receive you' ? 

M 



90 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

— " Our passports were examined at the 

advanced posts, by some of the Rio grande men, (a 
kind of cavalry militia of that province) military 
Gouehers, who sent a guide forward with us". 

_ — "What sort of a place is Canalones"? 

" Wretched ! a collection of miserable 

houses, and the streets, if streets they are to be 
called, dirty in the extreme. We found the Baron, 
with a large party of Officers, at dinner ; our recep- 
tion was truly kind and hospitable. The General 
ordered beds to be prepared for us, and we slept 
at his house" 

— " Saw you any thing in your progress 

deserving of notice" ? " Nothing" 

In such a province as Monte Video little can be 
gathered to afford matter for publication, or to make 
a book ; no scenery, and but few incidents, to give 
effect to description. * * * * 

Many days passed on in the usual manner, when, 
on the 6th October, we were surprised by the arrival 
of the Creole, Commodore Sir T. Hardy, owing to 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



91 



dispatches we had sent him in consequence of the 
dispute at Buenos Ayres, alluded to in Chapter 6th. 
What a fine raw article, to manufacture into an 
Appendix to my book, could be made of the papers, 
recriminations, replies, rejoinders, &c. showering 
as they did thickly around us, during that contention ; 
which also afforded the diurnal press at Buenos 

Ayres plenty of employment. The Buenos 

Ayreans carry themselves very high ever since the 
unfortunate expedition, but republicans, generally 
speaking, are not renowned for humility. * * 

* * Ye mice and cockroaches what have you 
done here ! my MSS. is so obliterated that all I can 
pick out is * * * 

I am glad however we have gained our point — 

********** 
********* 

********** 
********* 

****** **** 



J-Z RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

* The worthy Commodore 

emained but a few days, and we were once more 
left to ourselves. * * * 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Another 2\st October! — the Sea-fight— a Mystery! 
Maldonado. 

* * * * For some days a Brazilian 
squadron has been blockading this port. * * 

Methinks I hear a reader (who may have had 
the condescension to accompany me thus far) exclaim 
" Oh ! a sea-fight ! — this 1 hope will prove a little 
enlivening; hitherto, I must say, this work has been 

a dull affair" Ah, pray spare me ! believe 

me, I have too humble an opinion of my production 
to defy criticism ; yet, I cannot but flatter myself 



94 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



with the hope that it may afford a passing amusement 
to those few, very few, who are dear to me, before 
whose illumined smile of approbation, and affec- 
tionate partiality, every defect will evaporate. * * 

***** The most active prepa- 
rations are making by the Governor, to drive the 
blockading force away. * * * 

October 21st. This morning, the anniversary of 
Trafalgar, beheld the Portuguese squadron, con- 
sisting of a fine Corvette, Le Conde des Arcos, 
with several hired armed Ships, leaving the port in 
line of battle : considering that only a few days 
since they were dismantled and without men, great 
credit is due to Don Alva for his exertions ; they 
were manned with a promiscuous collection of 
fishermen, slaves, landsmen, and soldiers; yet, 
notwithstanding every disadvantage, they go on 
steady to the combat — the Brazilians weigh and 
form line — the actions commences ! * * * 

* * * * Our boats are manned, we 
fly to the shore in breathless haste to gain a prospect 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



93 



of the action — the Azoteas of the houses, through- 
out the Town, are crowded with spectators — all eyes 

are directed to one object a smart cannonading 

goes on for some time — by degrees the hostile 
squadrons seem to melt away in their own destructive 
clouds, and the roaring of battle dies on the ear in 
hollow murmurs. — * * * * 

i They are out of sight, and we hear 

on more » 

This evening the Portuguese are standing 

in, having driven the Brazilians off; they do not 
appear to have sustained much damage. *■*..* 
" Well, Pedro Pride, I suppose you fancy yourself 
a hero ? why, 1 warrant you, you think this quite a 
little Trafalgar affair — ( a shrug of the shoulders) — 

Where are your prizes ? ( another shrug ) — — 

Many wounded" ?- " Humph"! " Some 

killed ? (a shrug and a long face ) Pine sport, 

you'd volunteer again, no doubt" a smile and 

shake of the head ). 



06 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

Now, Pedro Pride was the useful man, whose 
office it was to fetch and carry our linen to and from 
the laundress ; and, like many other half-employed 
stragglers about the town, was one of the reluctant 
volunteers sent under an armed escort on board, to 
gain a feather from the wing of victory : the action 
over, he was dismissed, until opportunity offered of 
a similar honour. 

Memo.] About a fortnight ago this same Pride 
afforded me no little amusement and snrprise. When 
coming one day to my cabin, to collect my linen 
for the wash, in the act of counting and bagging the 
different articles, he caught a sight of the miniature 
of my good lady, which hung over the table ; I 
imagine he fancied it a Madona, or a resemblance 
of the blessed Virgin Mary, for, seized with a fit 
of devotion, with a deep sigh he rapidly commenced 
a most ludicrous medley of petitionary ejaculations, 
and careful enumeration of shirts, towels, &c. &c. 
uttering with some vehemence of voice and gesture, 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



97 



11 Ave Maria, &c." — unos, dos, tres" — "Camisas", 
&c. that I could scarce contain my composure ; and 
a smile would have been a mortal offence, particularly 
as I then knew too little of his language, or he of 
mine, to have explained to him his mistake. 

We subsequently learnt many had fallen, and 

several had been wounded on both sides- the 

Brazilian squadron returned a day or two after — 

the Portuguese got under weigh the former, 

after a few random shot, removed to a greater 

distance, and anchored. Neither side seemed 

inclined to approach — we soon found there were 

reasons for this mutual reserve a treaty was on 

the tapis. ****** 

October 24th. " Turn the hands up, unmoor" — 
a few hours brought us to Maldonado. 

We found the Creole standing out 

of the Bay, communicated, and in a short time she 
was out of sight. * * * * 

* * It was in a wild waste, the night was 
gloomily approaching — our sportsmen were fatigued 

N 



98 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



and hungry ; to return to the ship was impossible, and 
no friendly shelter offered — onward they toiled, and 
had well nigh sunk with disappointment and weari- 
ness, when a light revived their hopes — they 
quicken their lagging steps— -they arrive at a solitary 
Quintd — the door is opened — they are received by 

a recluse with generous hospitality- " Who and 

what was he* " ? " That may not be told ; one 

that had held high station and magisterial power — 

one that- but hush! I have said enough 

disgusted, he had withdrawn. But in the fullness 
of an overcharged heart he revealed to his guests— 
an important secret ! — 

" Did that cause you to proceed so suddenly and 

unexpectedly to Maldonado"? ' "Ask no 

questions". * * * 

On our way thither we caught a turtle 

* Turtle ! ! ! give me the book, child*— 1 see 

the worthy old Alderman finishing his pinch of snuff 



* Query-* The Stranger mentioned in Chapter 8th ? 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS, 



in haste (he had held the pulverized titillator betwixt 
his finger and thumb during the preeeeding Chapter) 
he searches in his capacious flapped waistcoat 
pocket for his spectacles, they are drawn forth from 

the case in tremulous rapidity they are fixed, and 

the wig adjusted— — Miss, who willingly resigns 
the dull nonsense, (i. e. this very book) amuses 
herself with stealing a glance at the last new novel, 
on the sofa beside her; while papa is holding this 
page at arms length, by the candle. 

" Pshaw, take back the book child, such trash 

is fit only to wrap butter and cheese in But 

stay, I want to light my pipe" and deliberately, 

cruelly, and with malice aforethought, he tears the 
page, and twisting the separated part, he lights his 
narcotic tube". * * * 

During the time we staid at Maldonado, we 
sent all the ship's company on shore every day to 
the island of Goritti, in order that the ship might 
be white-washed, painted, and thoroughly put to 
rights. Most of the Officers amused themselves 



100 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

with shooting ; but so desolate was the aspect of 
the place that I felt no inclination to visit the shore, 
and therefore I am not competent to enter into a 
copious description of a spot, which, from all I 
hear, has nothing to recommend it to the notice of 
the voyager — and we were not sorry to quit it.—— 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



101 



CHAPTER XV. 



Monte Video again — the Infant's Funeral — the 
Tertulia — Dignified Displeasure — Ladies' 
Dresses — the Pampero. 

Once more then behold us on our return to 
Monte Video. We arrived there at 8 o'clock, 
Sunday evening, 2nd November, and received 
several Buenos Ayres' papers; — very violent pub- 
lications in El Centinelle 9 in which we came in for 
our share of abuse — we only laughed at this. 

* * * * Tuesday, November 4th. 
" Doctor, are you inclined to take a quiet walk this 
evening"? * * * And a very pleasant 



102 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



promenade we had ; on our return we met, at the 
Cathedral doors the funeral of a child ; it was on a 
bier, and uncoffined, dressed in a muslin frock, 
surrounded and crowned with flowers. My good 
friend, the Doctor, was rather indignant at the 
apparent mirth and gaiety of the funeral party ; — 
certainly it had a censurable appearance, but the 
death of a child is thought here to be a subject of 
gratulation, rather than grief; and really on reflection, 
painful as the loss of a little darling is to the hearts 
of its doating parents, still the certainty of its 
admission at its decease, to the arms of its heavenly 
Father, and its freedom from the cares, afflictions, 
and disappointments of this wretched world, ought 
to impart the balm of consolation to the wounded 
spirit. * * * 

November 6th, 1823. Strawberries ! the first 
strawberries this season ! they are large and fine in. 
appearance, but insipid and watery in taste. * * 

Sunday, November 9th. Divisions are over. 
The boat is manned, I proceed to the shore to attend 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 103 

divine service at the Cathedral — it is crowded* A 
fine Portuguese regiment is drawn up in the nave or 
centre aisle. A loud flourish of trumpets announces 
the commencement of the service ; at a certain signal 
all are on their knees, the dome re-echoes with the 
clang of arms. Service over, the band strikes up, 
they march through the church in military array. 
The force Don Alva has under his command are a 
fine body of men, well appointed and equipped. 

You are coming on shore, to morrow, 

to Mc K« ?& ; I suppose there will be a large 

party"?— — 

" Such is my intention" 

November 10th. The evening arrived, a large 
party of natives and English are already assembled 
ait Mr. Mc K — - — 's. The sala opened into a neat 
patio, partly o'erhung with trellis work, supporting 
a luxuriant vine ; here were tables spread with a 
profusion of confectionary, wines, and liqueurs; and 
here, between the intervals of dancing, the gentlemen 
promenade. The sky is serene, and the soft air of 



104 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

summer plays round gently, not to chill, but kindly 
fan the almost breathless Danzarinas. The harmony 
of the evening met with a transient interruption, 
from one whose ignorance of the general usages of 
society is excusable, considering his youth and 
inexperience ; it was however quietly passed over, 
as scarce deserving notice. I wish, by the bye, that 
had been the case on a former occasion, a few days 
after our arrival here, which I have omitted to re- 
late : — At a splendid entertainment given us at that 
time, the same young gentleman forgot we were his 
guests, and the neglect (unintentional, I am con- 
vinced) shewn us on that evening, was so disgusting, 
that we all marched out of the room as soon as 
dancing began ; and in the imaginary grandeur of 
resentment, stalked in true trajedy time, to the 
landing place : our boats, unfortunately, not being 
ordered to be in attendance for us until 12 or 1 
o'clock, we had some hours in which to cool our 
dignified displeasure. I have often smiled when I 
have since called to mind the important nothingness 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



105 



of our high swelling demeanor! — this pompous 
debut (for the first time) on these boards ! We 
played our parts well, no doubt, as our feelings 
were interested ; but, alas ! to empty benches ! or 
rather, we had no audience but the fishes, and from 
them (senseless creatures ) ! we obtained no ap- 
plause — the demon of pride, indeed, might have 
been hovering over us, for aught we knew. 
(Methinks I heard his growl of approbation in the 
midnight breeze, as it wafted briskly by). — Our 
further acquaintance, however, with the Videons, 
taught us how futile it was to stand on etiquette- 
real hospitality and friendship disdain the cumberous 

ceremonies of unmeaning ostentation.- But 

to return to the pleasures of this evening. * * 
Nothing could exceed the attention the cheerful 

guests experienced from the Mc K ns'; — the 

dress of the ladies was, as usual, elegantly neat. 
How mistaken our fair countrywomen are in 
fancying their charms improved, by the unnatural 
confinement of their beautiful forms in a forbidding 



106 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

fortress of whale bone, and even steel! — both 
rendering their appearance ungraceful, and being 
certainly injurious to their health : how many lovely 
victims to this baleful fashion have fallen martyrs to 
the compression of the organs of respiration ! 

The most expensive articles among the Videon 
ladies are fans and shoes — a frequent supply of the 
former is needed from the constant use of this be- 
witching auxiliary in conversation ; and they take 
particular pride in the neatness of their feet ; their 
shoes are invariably of silk or satin, as light, thin, 
and close as possible. 

* Few women are more graceful in carriage 

than the Spanish; — this may be partly owing to 

their not wearing stiff stays. 1 am told they 

deem a light boneless corset fully sufficient for 
support. Certainly tight lacing and long waists 
render the most lovely part of the creation any 
thing but elegant. 

— " What do you say of the cap " ?— 

" Oh, I wage war against all, and singu- 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 107 

lar, jointly, and severally — caps, bonnets, and 
turbans. I admire the veil, the mautilla, &c. With 
the exception of two persons 1 have not seen a 
head covered here, the hair is simply curled, or 
parted a la Madona, and a flower or two (chiefly 

natural ones) intertwined. — 

Memo.] The custom of receiving a flower from 
the fair hands of the young ladies, when you meet 
or visit them, is common here ; and it is the highest 
compliment you can pay, to preserve and produce 

it at your next call. By the bye, I have just 

been presented with a fine carnation, which L — da 
has taken from the dark curls that adorn her 

forehead. * * * 

Supper is announced; — that over, dancing is 
re-commeced — the blush of the morning is upon the 
vine* — we rise to depart, and having conducted 
several of the ladies to their respective homes, at 
4 o'clock we return on board. * * * 



* Vines are very rare in this province : it was the policy of the 
mother country to discourage their culture. 



108 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

Saturday, November 15th. It was calm, the 
evening was declining fast over the distant plains, 
and the refreshing coolness of the atmosphere was 
so reviving after an excessive hot day, that we 
were tempted to have a run on shore — we went to 

Don Agells del Blanco's, and but I 

will give you a rescued scrap of verse, to shew 
"all, how, and about it", * * * * 

Like a mirror, far and wide 

Lay the blae unruffled stream ; 
No brealh of zephyr fans the tide, 

Or undulates tlie moon's mild beam 

And yonder stands Video's height, 

Reflected in the wave afar, 
And crested by the Watch Tower's light, 

That seems a distant blood-red star. 
And still unbroken silence reigns 
O'er Video's bay and ample plains, 
Save, where at measured intervals 
Are heard the watchful centinels, 
From vessel, or embattled walJ, 
" Alerto"— or, "All's well" they call. 
All blanched with light, or thrown in shade, 
Along* the bay the town is spread ) 
Where towers and mansions seem to be 
Of silver, or of ebony. * * * * 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



109 



'Twas then, at such an hour of night, 
I bent o'er Ageli's gallery height ; 
While — glancing on the wide saloon 
From whence I leaned — the gentle moon 
Thro' every lattice shed her beam, 
That, mingling with the taper's gleam, 
A light, half blushing, or half pale, 
Threw on each smiling lady's veil — 
As oft she passed the room along, 
Or stooped to scan the plaintive song, 
With which another charmed the heart, 
Aided by music's powerful art. 
Such was the hour, and all was still 
O'er Town, o'er bay, o'er plain, o'er hill ; 
And night herself appear'd to sleep — 
Her bed, the silent, crystal deep — 
The starry heavens her canopy — 
The landscape round her seemed to be 
The curtain to exclude the ray, 

The last, faint, farewell smile of day — 

— While, pensive, from the gallery 

I gazed along, with listless eye, 

And deep in memory's vision lost, 

Then — rose the unlooked-for, sudden gust, 

And night awoke ! — the moon withdrew, 

The dark scud o'er the horizon flew * * * 

In short, what is called in this country & pampero, 
as sudden as it is violent, arose, and wrapt the 
whole scene in tempestuous terrors. Such an almost 
instantaneous transition, from the serene to the acme 



110 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

of violence, is not uncommon here — it is needless 
for me to enter into particulars as to the cause, or 
to any minute description ; I refer the curious reader 
to the works already published on this part of South 
America, which supersede the necessity of my 
dwelling on the subject, and will be found more 
entertaining and instructive than anything my humble 
pen can produce. 

" No going on board". " We will not take up 
our quarters at any of our kind friends, at so short 
a notice ; let us bear up for the American Hotel". 
A tremendous gale all night. * * * The 
hotel fronting the water, the massive windows were 
shaken with such noise and fury, that we congratu- 
lated ourselves we were so snug. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



Ill 



CHAPTER XVI. 



A Sunday Morning — the Franciscan Church- 
Dinner Parties — Naval Ball. 

Sunday, 16th. Bright was the cheerful mornings 
but still the gale was high and unbroken ; (as is my 
custom on shore) I sprang up with the rising of the 
sun — all nature was alive — the bells of the Franciscan 
Church were summoning the people to the first 
morning service — 1 prepared to proceed thither. 

I hope the following imitation psalm, which I 
hastily composed, will not be deemed inapplicable ; 



112 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

1 Bow down your heads before the Lord, all 
ye people; bow down your heads before his holy 
throne. 

2 O ! come before his altar with gifts, ye 
lowly ones ; offer incense before his holy tabernacle. 

3 The glory of the Lord, the glory of the 
Lord, is here ; the Cherubim and Seraphim stand 
around his sanctuary. 

4 O God ! my heart is ready, I will hasten 
to give thanks unto thee; my lips shall be open to 
praise thee among the multitude, 

5 I will confess my transgressions, and thou 
wilt forgive mine iniquities ; 1 will acknowledge my 
faults, and thou wilt receive me. 

6 For 1 know thou wilt not despise the contrite 
heart, and a wounded spirit thou wilt not reject. 

7 Therefore will 1 go with thy congregation 
to thy holy temple ; and I will lift up my hands in 
the house of my God. 

8 And with thy people I will bow my head 
before thee, yea, I will bow down before thy holy 
throne. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



113 



9 Thy sabbaths, O God, are verily my delight ; 
thy day of rest refresheth my soul, even as the dew 
of the morning. 

10 O ! how good it is to come before the 
altar of my God, to assemble in the tents of the 
faithful. 

11 O ! how good it is to partake of the bread 
of life, the bread of salvation that came down from 
heaven. 

12 O ! lift up your hands in the sanctuary, 
all ye people, remember his presence, and fear, lest 
ye offend. 

13 It shall be the bread of salvation to many, 
but to the ungodly, destruction for ever, 

14 Fear ye the Lord, for he is mighty and 
terrible ; the whole earth will tremble at the presence 
of God. 

15 Approach not in sin to his holy altar, but 
confess ye your iniquities, and the Lord will forgive. * 

16 But come now before his altar with gifts ; 

offer incense before his holy tabernacle. 

p 



114 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



The Franciscan Church is but a few paces from 
the American Hotel, and close to the Arsenal ; it 
is a very small mean building, with out aisles most 
heavily laden with clumsy carved work, once highly 
gilded, but now neglected, sombre, and dismal ; it 
is very dark, and appears to have been erected at 
the time the town was founded, above 100 years 
since. 

The Franciscans are very few in number, and 
wretchedly poor. This is the only monastery in 
Monte Video. 

The little Church is quite full — scarce standing 
room, I really did not go to look at pretty faces, 
believe me, kind reader ; I hope my motives pro- 
ceeded from a better source : but who could forbear 
a glance at a beautiful female, when he hears her 
utter, with warm emphasis and devotion, the follow- 
ing impressive prayers 

" Dios mio pongd toda mi esperanza en vos; 
y quanto puedo haber de bienes espiritnales, y 
temporales, asi en esta vida como en la otra 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



115 



todo lo deseo, espero, y quiero solo de vuestras 
manos. Dios mio, vida mia, y solo esperanza, 
mia y emplearlos en vuestra agrado". 

" Espero Senor, en vuestra bondad piedad y 
misericordia y en los meritos infinitos de la 
sagrada vida pasion, y muerte de vuestro aman- 
tisimo Hijo mi Redentor Jesu Christo, que 
me perdonareis todos mis culpas y pecados y que 
me dareis vuestra santisima gloria"! 

I returned to join my messmates at breakfast, in 
the hotel. ***** Mr. Hall's Quinta 
stands a little elevated, on a gentle rise of ground, 
about three miles from the Town, and commands 
as pretty a prospect as the river, bay, and citadel 
can afford : it has an excellent and well arranged 
garden, producing a great variety of European and 
other flowers ; a neat summer-house, overgrown 
with fragrant climbers, presents an agreeable and 
acceptable retreat from the scorching eye of day. 

Having accepted the invitation of its very 
gentlemanly and friendly owner, we proceeded 



116 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



thither after church hours, with a large party, to 
spend the day; and returned in the evening, highly 
gratified with our hospitable reception. 

November 17th. We had a similar pleasant 
party yesterday, at the Quinta of Messrs. Mc Koll 
and Noble ; there also was a fine garden ; and what 
greatly refreshed the eye, in a country where trees 
are so rare, was a venerable mangoe, of considerable 
size, and a long avenue of fine poplars, leading to 
a summer-house — a delightful shelter from the heat. 

***** The principal wood in this 
province is the peach tree, whose growth is so rapid, 
that in three years from the time of planting, it is 
in full bearing, and this is the only fuel of the country ; 
but so little attention is paid to its culture, that 
firing is very scarce and expensive. * * * 

The Merchants are in high spirits. 1 have just 

learnt from Don Leche, that the capitulation 

of the Town is signed, and the Brazilians take 
possession the beginning of January : the Portuguese 
Governor and troops are to return to Europe in 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 117 

Transports, prepared for their conveyance ; and the 
Guard Frigate, and other armed vessels, are to be 
delivered up to the service of his Imperial Majesty. 
Trade will now begin to revive : so overstocked has 
the market been with English goods, during the 
long siege, that hitherto you might purchase them 
nearly at English prices. The Portuguese flag 
will continue flying until their final departure. * * 
Having dined at our worthy friend, Mr. Postlet- 
whaite's, we returned to our dear little ship. * * 
November 19th. All bustle, confusion, and 
busy gaiety — all hands preparing the ship for a 
splendid ball and supper;— the booms are un- 
stowed— a spar deck is laid under a tent, from the 
break of the quarter deck to the forecastle, with 
a table of similar length, for the supper — this is 
divided off at the main-mast, by large curtains, to 
exclude it from the sight of the company in the ball 
room : — from the main -mast to the tafferel, the space 
is assigned for dancing, beneath an elegant awning, 
hung most tastefully with colours of all nations, &c. 



118 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

The sky-light over the gun-room is covered so as 
to form a large sofa; that, over the cabin, converted 
into a table for confectionery, sweets, and refresh- 
ments of various kinds — the wheel unshipped, and 
its place adorned (as is the mizen-mast) with brilliant 
flowers and wax lights. A kind of bower formed 
of the branches of willow and fig tree, (a very few 
of which grow near the Town) is placed by the 
main bitts, and tapers intermingled; — the carronades 
are dismissed, and their slides, wheeled in against 
the bulwark, are formed into settees, with cushions, 
and covered with crimson moreen drapery ; — a 
carpetted platform, raised aft, some way above the 
deck, is to serve for a lounging retreat for those 
who were not inclined to join the dancers. 

" What shall we do for chandeliers ? it will be 

nothing without them" " Borrow from the 

shore" "Oh no, that will never do"! 

A consultation is held, and the following method 
adopted, which formed a unique and really hand- 
some contrivance. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



119 



" Soldier ! (to the Marine Officer) order your 
men to make all their bayonets as bright as looking 
glass". 

« Mr. send the carpenter hither" 

" I wish you to take down my swinging tables, 
(they were circular, and about 15 inches in 
diameter) bore holes at equal distances round, fix 
pegs in them large enough to receive the socket of 

a bayonet, thus" — -"Yes, Sir". It was 

done. " Now, soldiers, bring your bayonets". 

They are fixed upright on the pegs, a wax light 
placed on each socket, and the intervals filled with 
bunches of the choicest flowers that could be 
procured; so that we at length produced chan- 
deliers worthy to grace any assembly. 

Thursday, November 20th. And now arrives 
the day, the important day, u big with the fate of 

supper and of dance" The dawn was not 

oercast, nor did the heavens lour throughout the 
day — the genius of the Plata evinced no inclination 
to disturb our tranquility by any pamper oish freaks. 



120 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



Having collected the numerous guests in several 

boats, behold us assembled at 7 o'clock -merry 

countenances — sparkling eyes — splendid dresses, 
added to the Spanish melodies which accompanied 
the mazy dance — all combined to exhilirate the 
spirits. Refreshments — coffee, tea, &c. broke the 
intervals between that time and supper, to which 
we adjourned at 1 o'clock, where every delicacy 
that could be procured, awaited us — * — The table 
display (considering we had no female housekeeper 
to aid us with her taste) was really very handsome : 
after concluding the supper with several lively songs, 
the dance was renewed, and continued till sunrise, 
when chocolate being served, the merry party 
reluctantly separating, concluded our gay and 
brilliant festival. ******** 
******** [It appears here 
that several parts of the journal are missing, and 
we find nothing that can inform us how the time 
was occupied in this interval.] 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 12 1 

November 29th* Mrs. D. and her little girls 
having dined on board, 1 returned with them in the 
evening, and slept at their house, being engaged to 
pass the ensuing day with them, en f&mille« 



122 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER XV I L 



On Conversation — the Bible — Cards — Adelina*** 
Morning at the Market. 

Sunday, November 30th. Having promised 
the children an early walk this morning, I found 
them ready at my door a little after five. Accom- 
panied by these blooming, lively Hebes, I had a 
delightful ramble; invigorated by the pure and 
gentle breeze wafted from the dear blue waters of 
the Plata, and cheered by the glowing rays of the 
rising sun, which bronzed the summit of the mount, 
and threw a slanting and checquered light along the 
ruins of the Cordon, we returned to our breakfast 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 128 

with refreshed and buoyant spirits and excellent 
appetites. After attending the early service, at the 
Cathedral, 1 retired with my little friend, Louisita, 
to a small chamber in the lofty turret of her father's 
house, which opens on the Azotea, aud commands 
a view of the whole town — here we passed a couple 
of hours, not unprofitably, in looking over and 
examining many useful and instructive works ; and 
I was both surprised and entertained at the intimate 
acquaintance she displayed with books, and the 
information with which her mind was stored ; and 
yet she was neither a conceited nor obtrusive child, 
as X have seen many pedantic little chits with scarce 
half her knowledge; but she was delighted with 
play, her toys, and her doll, which, with girls in 
general are discarded much too soon, as is their 
infantine artlessness. Nothing is more disgusting 
than childhood aping the woman, and adopting the 
artificial and affected manners of grown-up misses. 
I cannot approve of sending children early to a 
boarding-school — a cause to which this unhappy 



124 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

change may too often be attributed — where nature 
is displaced by art, and better principles too fre- 
quently evaporate, and the child of nature becomes 
the automaton of fashion and deceit. Parents ! if you 
wish your daughters to be amiable, estimable mem- 
bers of society, to be virtuous wives, and good 
mothers, devote your attention to their juvenile 
years, and educate them under the paternal roof. 
Louisita evinced talents and intellect very unusual 
at the early age of eight years ; and I have known 
many ladies and gentlemen from whom, in twice the 
time I spent with that interesting child, not half so 
much rational amusement could be elicited : indeed, 
in general society, how few conversations do we 
hear calculated either to improve the mind, or 
amend the heart ; — vollies of frivolous unmeaning 
compliments, censorious remarks drawn from the 
scandal of the day, the fashions of a gown, the 
colour of a ribbon, the beauty of a pattern for 
w orking, the qualities of a horse or dog, anecdotes 
of the turf, &c— hours of valuable time are sacri- 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 125 

ficed to such nonsense, while instructive and 
interesting subjects (which, if introduced, might 
lead to many pleasing results) are totally neglected: 
to speak on religion, or religious duties, is voted a 
bore — and while the merits and beauties of some 
modern novel are canvassed and entered into with 
warmth, the Book of Life is disregarded. The 
Bible is, in itself, a blessed library ; the lovers of 
poetry will there find composition superior to any 
other extant; those who prefer history — the most 
ancient and admirable, the most faithful and im- 
partial ever drawn up : even the novel reader will 
find in its stories and narratives a far more rich 
display of real life, more genuine touches of nature, 
more exquisite pathos, than all the productions of 
a circulating library can display. In short — but 
to speak of its inestimable value in every point 
would at present trespass too much on my time ; 1 
can only add, that if read with an humble and truly 
christian spirit, it is indeed the bread of life. But, 
to return — I repeat, k is painful to observe how 



126 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

much the powers of the mind are neglected in social 
visits and evening parties ; and it forms but a sad 
substitute when cards are introduced, and evening 
after evening sacrificed to that puerile amusement. 
At one table you may observe a set of whist 
players, who can only speak in the language of the 
game of " two by honours, all four by honours, 
tricks, rubbers, best trumps, &e. &c." and who 
are the performers ? alas ! those whose years and 
long experience of life ought to have qualified them 
for better pursuits, and to be the venerable mentors 
of that giddy circle of young people who are 
dinning your ears with a confused repetition of ace, 
deuce, trois, no four, four — no five, red nine, &c. 
During the time I resided at Monte Video, I 
never saw cards introduced ; I believe the ladies 
knew and cared very little about them. They are 
fond of dancing, and surely there can be no 
reasonable objection to that healthful and animating 
amusement. It is time however to put an end to 
this digression. My conversation with my litte 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 127 

friend was interrupted by a summons for her to 
attend divine service, read by her mother to the 
family, there being no place of worship for pro- 
testants. Meantime I retired to the Sala, and, 
while reading there, a visitor, and indeed a bosom 
friend of Louisita, arrived^this was Adelina Rukker, 
a charming little Spanish girl, about her own age* 
I mention this child more particularly as she 
interested me extremely ; there was something so 
irresistibly attractive in her sweetly mild, pensive, 
and quiet demeanor, that she soon became, and 
was ever after, a prime favourite w T ith me : indeed I 
think no one could be acquainted with this meek- 
hearted, amiable little girl, without loving her. She 
formed one of our little party at dinner ; we made 
an appearance not unlike a school, when we took 
our evening walk on the plains — closing a day on 
which I can always reflect with pure satisfation and 
unmixed pleasure. 

Monday, December 1st. " Where are you 
going, soldier" — — " On shore, sir"— "Ah, 



128 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



I cannot spare you to day, the Avelines and Agels 
dine on board with me, and you must join our 
party, I know you will be pleased to meet the 
pretty Donna Lissarda''. So spoke our worthy 
Captain — of course no visiting the town. They 
arrived ; and thus I am enabled to add another to 
the catalogue of agreeable days I spent here. 
Another dinner party took place on board, given 
to some of the Portuguese Officers, on the 3rd of 
December. A round of visits was continued 
notwithstanding the town's being still beseiged, and 
provisions were now getting scarce and dear, as the 
troops of the Baron Laguna (Le Cor) cut off all 
supplies outside. The Videons, however, were 
infinitely better off than the citizens of St. Salvador, 
(Bahia) when beseiged by the Imperialists in May 
last. About the time I was at that beautiful and 
romantic spot, many were dying of want and 
hunger in the streets, and deprivation and wretch- 
edness were extreme within, while fire and sword 
were spreading blood and devastation without : by 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. t 29 

the bye, reverting to Bahia, 1 am reminded of a 
scrap which 1 tttif as well insert here, containing 
a brief description, hastily penned, of the effect of 
moon-light on its beautiful scenery. — It was just 
that happy time when the last warm tints of evening 
were fading before the silvery light, which art early 
moon threw from her cloudless azure throne on the 
trembling foliage of the dark majestic woods, 
skirting and surrounding the heights on which the 
ample City stood; the spires and domes just blush- 
ing on the western ^ and coldly pale on the grey eastern 
side— while below, on the margin of the bay, the 
heavy buildings frowned in sombre shade.-^-Here 
and there a few twinkling lights from the houses, 
sometimes momentarily obscured by passing figures, 
and sometimes dimly shining through their cane and 
unglazed lattices, relieved the gloom. Now and 
then the tolling of a solitary chapel bell formed an 
accompaniment to the sonorous call of the sentinels 
on the circular and insulated fort— one rounded side 



n 



130 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



of which was half hidden in a mass of shadow, and 
the other refulgent with borrowed glory from the 
queen of. night — thus appearing on the wide expanse 
of the surrounding waves, like a lone and fairy 
castle, raised, by enchantment, for the god of ocean. 
The opposite side of this delightful bay displayed 
a still more beautiful feature in the scene— v there, the 
fine Island of Taporica stood rich in her woods, 
villages, and villas, mingled with every variety of 
light and shade a moon-light summer's evening 
could produce. * * * 

But, to return to the Videons— I must not omit 
to observe they are very early risers ; and the 
market presents a lively and bustling aspect long 
before the sun has tinted the dew drops on the 
luxuriant trefoil, profusely spread over the lauds 
which environ Monte Video. The market is held 
in an open space, on the right, as you proceed to 
the citadel gate, and was my frequent and favourite 
resort. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS, 131 



The Morning Gun salutes the rising day, 
The drums and fifes strike up the reveille ; 
The orient sun smiles on retiring night, 
And cheers the heavens with reviving light : 
And, as the mist on Video rolls away — 
Lit by the blushing beams of early day- 
It seems as if Aurora, as she flew, 
Her purple veil o'er Video's summit threw ; 
Thro' whose celestial texture faintly shone 
The Watch Tower lattice in the rising sun. 
As more and more the god of day illumes, 
The vapour now a rubier tint assumes ; 
And soon the evanescent gauze appears 
A cloud of roses fading into tears. 

'Tis morn ! and joyfully I haste to rise, 
Inspired by balmy air and cheerful skies ; 
And, as I wander thro' each busy street, 
Some well-known friend, or fair Senora meet ; 
For here no sloth rules o'er the morning bed — 
But rising with the sun, from house or shed, 
Forth to the church, or needful market square, 
—Some for devotion, some for food, repair- 
Where flowers and fruits make up a lively shew, 
In order duly ranged, intent they go : 
And vegetables spread on either side, 
Invite the careful housewife to provide 
Selections various for domestic use, 
As taste or fancy, or as want, induce. 
And what a gay, but busy group, appears ! 
Light smiling childhood, and decrepit years ; 
The pale Franciscan, lean, and coarsely clad, 
With staff and scrip, here begs his daily bread ; 



132 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



The Ethiop slave— the whiskered soldier there* 
The swarthy Goucher, with his sable hair 
Clubbed up, and with a handkerchief around 
His irowning forehead negligently bound — 
His pauncho rare, of striped and strange devicej 
His ever jingling spurs of costly price — 
With heavy silver wrought — and, by his side, 
Beneath his belt, the direful knife is tied — 
And 'neath his dark moustache the lit cigar 
Emits its fragrance thro' the morning air ; — 
His linen trowsers deck'd with fringes round ; 
With hide undressed his bootless feet are bound, 
Save where the toe projects. AfTecting state, 
(To walk unused) he rolls with aw T kward gait — 
For seldom these from off their steeds appear, 
Or scarce the bridle quit throughout the year. 
His neighing steed, with curious saddle bound, 
Impatient, by his side, paws up the ground ; 
The saddle wrought with wond'rous skill, appears 
The work and stitching of some tedious years — 
Hung down a length enormous to ihe eye ; 
A strip of wood the stirrups' place supply — 
These 'twixt the two advancing toes they fix, 
Quickly relieved if e'er the courser kicks ; 
A polished ring hangs on the saddle side 
To which the tough lazo is firmly tied — 
From hence the fatal noose they dext'rous throw. 
And snare their prey, like lightening, as they go. 
I see Louisa 'mid the varied throngs- 
How light the little maiden trips along ; 
Her willow basket filled with many a flower, 
Designed at home to bloom their transient hoar ; 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



133 



Her morning's purchase trembles in her hand, 
As near yon ling'ring group she takes her stand-^ 
The new drawn milk with Mariequite to share, 
Beneath her good domestic — Juana's care ; 
Juana, attentive, faithful, kind, and true! 
To thee this line of praise is justly due. 

" Now, Louisa, we had better finish our walk, 
and I will return to breakfast with you ; and then, 
if your mamma permit, I will call with you on our 
dear little friend, Adelina Ilukker". 

December 9th. The French frigate Astrea, 
Capt. Greville, arrived. * * * * How the 
people flew away on all sides, when poor Nance 
followed our Captain down to the boat, to make one 
of our ship's company; though as tame and harmless 
as a spaniel, yet her appearance was well calculated 
to strike terror into strangers who were ignorant of 
her gentle qualities. 

Her species are numerous here, and are reckoned 
very formidable ; they are mis-named tigers. 1 
rather apprehend they are what by naturalists are 
denominated jaguars, and are extremely fierce.— 



134 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



Nance was very large, it was late when she joined 
his majesty's ship ; no one on deck but the officers 
of the watch, quartermaster, and sentinels ; she was 
handed up in a large crate, and placed aft, with strict 
injunctions for no person to approach till morning, as, 
being a stranger, it was not known how she would 
like new acquaintances. The officers having retired 
for the night, those who had charge of the watch, 
hearing it was a wild beast, and knowing nothing of 
her qualities, kept at a respectable distance, and 
walked aloof, on the quarter deck. It happened in 
the middle watch, that Nance was weary of her con- 
finement, and thought a little exercise would do 
her good — perhaps she had had unpleasant dreams, 
arising from the melancholy attendant on those who 
separate, for the first time, from their dear friends 
and connections, on entering a naval career, and 
making their debut on a watery world. Be this as 
it may, the glimmering stars gave but light enough 
for those on deck to discern a large and terrific 
quadruped, stalking majestically towards them; a 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



135 



general panic took place — exit sentinels in double 

quick time " Where shall 1 fly"? thought old 

Rutherford, the quartermaster, " the wheel is the 

nearest place to climb" "Where shall / fly"? 

thought the officer of the watch, " the wheel is the 
nearest asylum". Both ran thither, one on each 
side, to ascend it, but somehow or other, the wheel 
had been loosened — over it flew ! and its rotary 
motion flung one over the other, and down they 
came, kicking, struggling, and in all the comfortable 
feelings which the idea of being within a boat hook ? s 
length of an unchained monster of the desert could 
inspire. At last^ they gained the hatchway, and an 
iron pin being the first weapon that presented itself, 
Rutherford seized, and made a blow with it at the 
poor beast, whose pensive meditations being thus 
unceremoniously dispersed, ran quietly back to her 
rickety bed*room : several hands were called up, 
who tremulously secured her. "Well, thought 
Nance, if this be the way they treat us ladies, I 
pity their poor wives with all my heart", and with 



136 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

these reflections she dropt asleep. 1 had heard 
much of the power of fascination, possessed by 
some beasts of prey, but never witnessed such a 
singular instance as occurred a short time after 
Nance became a messmate. A beautiful little 
silver fox, belonging to a young gentleman on 
board, was brought on deck to be shewn to her— 
the little animal the moment he perceived his tre- 
mendous looking shipmate, who intently fixed her 
eyes on him, crouched trembling down, with every 
symptom of undisguised terror, shrieking aloud, and 
at the same time creeping, or rather drawing himself 
on his body towards his imagined foe ; and abso- 
lutely on reaching her, thrust his head into the 
mouth of the tigress, which was widely opened to 
receive him. Nance patted him about with great 
gentleness, something similar to a kitten playing 
with a ball, and kindly licked his face ; the little 
creature, emboldened at this unexpected and friendly 
reception, soon lost all his fears, and before they 
parted, conceiving Nance's pats too unceremonious, 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 137 

to our astonishment, actually snapt at, and fastened 
his teeth in her lower jaw — Nance took it all in 
good part, and they were ever after the best friends. 
This silver fox afforded us, now and then, the 
amusement of a chase; having several dogs on 
board we had fine sport, in which the Tigress 
joined with hearty good will. Our poor bull dog, 
Tumbler, died on shore of a species of hydropho- 
bia, so common in this town that the magistrates 
have allotted the first Wednesday of every month 
to the destruction of all those of the canine species 
found at large — A very proper regulation, as the 
country abounds with wandering and un-owned dogs. 
The next day we weighed for Colonia, to get a 
supply of water, (which is some of the best 1 ever 
drank), and arrived the following morning. * * * 
Sunday, December 12th. " Rhymer, will you 
go on shore with me, to church, this morning" ? 
" Excuse me, the weather looks doubtful ; we had 
better remain where we are". And it was provi- 
dential we did, for at half-past eleven a sudden 

s 



138 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



pampero came on, with an accompaniment of 
severe thunder, lightning, and heavy rain. The 
bell had announced the conclusion of high mass and 
Te Deum, ou occasion of the election of deputies, 
under the new constitution of Brazil, for the 
legislative assembly at Rio : — many of the poorer 
part of the congregation returned home, but those 
who kept servants, having sent them for umbrellas, 
waited for shelter in the church — —fatal delay ! at 
that instant we perceived the sacred edifice blown 
into the air with a tremendous explosion ! The 
lightning struck a magazine of powder, in the rear 
of the church, behind the altar. The number of 
those killed and wounded in the ruin was very 
considerable for so .small a colony — This was the 
second explosion of powder in a short space of 
time. 

The impression made on iny mind at this awful 
calamity may be readily imagined, having been 
thus mercifully preserved from sharing in it, for 
when I arose in the morning 1 fully determined 
attending divine service there ! — This is, however, 
but one among many instances of divine goodness 
which I have experienced during my checquered 
life. ^ 



Oratorios, during the time of Lent, are liab!<v to 
equal censure — the sacred name of the Almighty, 
the holy language of Scripture, the divine hymns 
of Christianity, are all impiously sung ; and in what 
place, a Church ? Oh no, a Theatre ! — too frequently 

the resort of impudent prostitution and licentious 

ribaldry". 

" Are you not too severe" ? " Not in the least ; 
candidly tell me, think you such a place a fit one 
for sacred purposes ? Is it from thence the praises 
of the Almighty can arise with any hope of accept- 
ance, and if that is not expected, how atrocious 
must such solemn mockery appear in the eyes of the 
great Ruler of the Universe ! where too a positive 
command is so shamefully broken — Thou shalt 

NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN 

vain", &c. " I willnever attend an Oratorio again". 
" I am glad you are so determined; indeed, the 
theatre altogether is no place for a Christian. 
I do not doubt, nay, 1 know, there are some worthy 
and virtuous characters on the stage ; but you too 
often see the votaries of vice make their bold and 
unblushing appearance, cheered by the applause of 
their weak, if not wicked, auditors, and fostered in 
their infamy by enormous salaries — one tenth part 
of which they would think too much for the virtuous 



142 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

pastor, or pious spiritual guide", Well, but ad- 
mitting what you say, we can't mend the world" ! 
" True, but we may amend ourselves, and not give 
countenance, by our example, to such proceedings, 
Alas, whatever is forbidden, whatever is wrong, 
wayward man is constantly inclined to do ; we may 
behold a striking instance of it in the great fondness 
which the Catholics of this and other countries 
evince for theatrical amusements, though in almost 
every Catholic Prayer Book there is a positive 
prohibition against encouraging or attending them, 
thus bringing a censure on their Church for 

what she expressly forbids". " Well, but how 

is this, I always thought you were a theatrical hero". 
" I am fond of dramas if they offend not against 
religion and morality, and even those only in the 
closet; or, as selections for recitation in private 
amusement, provided a very moderate time be allotted 
to it. Our minds require relaxation, but it should 
be such as is not contrary to innocence, piety, 
and the duties we owe to God and our neighbour. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 143 



The study of recitation gives a spur to eloquence, 
enriches the mind with poetic ideas, gives grace to 
action, improves the address, and enlarges the un- 
derstanding. I have often derived much pleasure 
from attending some of the annual recitations at 
our public grammar schools; where no indecent 
allusions are allowed to shock the ear, or indelicate 
attitudes offend the eye, of the most chaste and vir- 
tuous female; I wish I could say as much for the 
public stage. Though 1 have great objection to the 
performances at our public theatres, as at present 
conducted, I have sometimes attended naval 
theatricals, because unexceptionable dramas are 
generally selected; and while they beguile the 
tedium of many a weary cruize, they also withdraw 
the mind from more censurable pursuits. On one 
occasion 1 hastily composed the following prologue, 
for the corps dramatique of his majesty's ship 
Dreadnought, at the time our squadron were 
blockading Rochfort. It was spoken on the evening 
of the 17th August, 1810, when the tragedy of 
Douglas was performed. 



144 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



Prologue 

TO THE TRAGEDY OF DOUGLAS. 



While yet the setting sun, in glory, slow 
Sinks o'er the distant hills to realms below ; 
While golden clouds in fainter colours die, 
And mingling crimson fades from every eye ; 
While in pale tints retires the evening light, 
Reluctant yielding to the power of night ; 
While mists arise, low curling o'er the steep, 
And twinkling stars yet glimmer in the deep ; 
Will we, enclosed within these wooden walls, 
Placed where our honour and our duty calls — • 
Debar d the pleasures of the rural scene, 
Where Summer's evening blushes o'er the green, 
Here, with a drama, study to beguile 

The weary hours -Now let the critic smile I 

" How bold the attempt" ! (methinks I hear him say) 

" What! seamen dare to represent a play? 

" In them, I'm sure, can never be defined, 

" With tragic force, the feelings of the mind". 

Vain cynic, cease your poor and ill-plac'd spite, 

And view the Douglas we perform to night : 

Know that the seaman's heart, tho' rough the mould, 

Is not by stoic apathy controurd. 

For others' woes his gen'rous breast can feel, 

To England's foes alone 'tis cased in steel ! 

Like Norval, many a naval hero here 

For a iov'd mother's woes can shed the tear— 

And like Matilda — naval parents share, 

With fond solicitude, their children's care : 

Like gentle Anna — friendship's sacred power 

The seaman owns in many a trying hour; 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 145 



But all like Randolph' — love their country's weal, 
And for Britannia's interests can feel : 
With gallant hearts her bitter foes^defy, 
And force their vanquish'd navies oft to fly ; 
Before their ports our floating castles moor, 
And reign the terror of the neighb'ring shore. 

Ye British sailors ! England's pride and boast, 
Ye guardian heroes of her happy coast! 
If in the scenes we represent to night 
Norval, the brave and good, can give delight ; 
Be yours the task his virtuous steps to tread, 
Belov'd when living — justly mourned when dead — 
And when Matilda's sorrows meet your eyes- 
Think — 'tis Britannia for your aid applies : 
Think — in Glenalvon's villany you see 
Napoleon's dark and ceaseless treachery ! 
When for his mother Norval dies — full well 
You view how Nelson for Britannia fell; 
And while the tragic tale may cause the tear, 
Like morning dew to glitter o'er his bier- 
Be it yours to emulate a Nelson's fame, 
And seek, like him, an everlasting name ; — 
And learn, obedient to your Country's call, 
Like him to conquer— or, like him to fall. 



T 



146 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER XVIII, 



A few Remarks — Return to Video — Christmas 
Eve — Disappointed Messmates — not to be 
caught — Morning Bells, no rest — Hymn — the 
Withering Flower — Noon— Friendship. 

Almost all the time we were at Colonia the 
weather was very boisterous. The anchorage is 
excellent, the depth of water greater than in any 
other part of the river ; the bay is interspersed with 
several small, pretty, uninhabited islands, Farallon, 
St. Michael's, &c. The environs are tolerably 
cultivated, and can boast of some excellent and 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 147 

extensive gardens, producing what we in vain look 
for at Video — olives, citrons, lemons, pomegranates, 
cherries, &c. but the greater part of the country- 
is a wide open down, abounding with wild spinach 
and trefoil; innumerable herds of cattle and untamed 
horses may be seen wandering over the immense 
estates or Estantias : 1 am told 18 or 20 square 
leagues is thought a tolerable manor, if 1 may so 
call it. I know not how one property is distin- 
guished from another, for there are no visible 
enclosures or boundaries. The Gouchers, whom I 
have before mentioned, are employed tending the 
cattle, which literally swarm over the land. They 
are said to be idle, dissolute, and addicted to 
gambling, and not very safe to meet alone; the 
latter charge I think is exaggerated. Whenever I 
have wandered about, unaccompanied, I invariably 
found them courteous and civil. They are incom- 
parable horsemen; and with the lassa or lazo, will, 
with great dexterity, ensnare any animal, however 
powerful. We met a singular character here, an 



148 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

adventurer, who sometimes passed himself off as 
an English Lord, then a Colonel, or an Honorable, 
or — in short — any thing to suit his purpose; he 
appeared to be in no want of cash, which he squan- 
dered with much profusion; his dress was the outre 
of London fashion; his manners, a dash of the gen- 
tleman, with the nonchalance of the Yankee : at this 
time he was engaged in the attempt to colonise and 
cultivate a large tract of ground, though his agricul- 
tural abilities, I believe, were very moderate*. 

I cannot help thinking that the encouraging 
tillage, the enclosing of lands, and the permitting 
colonies of husbandmen and farmers to settle in 
these countries, no very good policy. The sole 
wealth of Buenos Ayres, and all the provinces on 
this river, consists in their cattle — the sole trade, the 
hide and tallow; as cultivation proceeds, as en- 
closures are made, and pasturage destroyed, the 
extensive herds must diminish, and consequently, 



* I have since been told his plans and his money soon 
evaporated, and he left the neighbourhood. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



149 



their staple commodity decline in proportion ; manu- 
factures they have none ; what then will they have, 
by and bye, to exchange for our goods ? Gold and 
silver have long since made way for a miserable 
paper currency ; dollars, not unlike watch papers, 
are the principal circulating medium at Buenos 
Ayres. That poor republic has, I fear, gained 
little by its revolutions but the name of liberty; such 
at least are my humble opinions : but I bow with 
deference to wiser heads, who may think otherwise, 
fori am not much inclined to place an overweening 
confidence in my own judgment. 

We left Colonia on December the 19th, and on 
the 21st arrived at our favorite rendezvous, Monte 
Video ; the French frigate, Astrea, sailed a few 
hours afterwards; we found our old acquaintance 
and kind friends rejoiced to see us again. * * * 

24th December. " Soldier, you appear anxious 
to get on shore ; it blows very hard, and all our 
boats except my gig are away — if you like to venture 
it is at your service; only send directly back, 



150 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

as I may want her \ Thus spoke our worthy 
Captain, ever desirous to contribute to the comfort 
and anticipate the wishes of those under his command . 
I availed myself of his kind offer, and was soon 
walking up Calle San Felipe ; after various calls 
1 concluded my day at Mrs, D's, accompanying 
Mrs. D. Mr. S. B. and our good Dr. S. with the 
children, in our usual evening promenade. 

* * # * It was the eve of the Nativity; 
some little curiosity blended with, 1 hope, a better 
motive, induced me to await the midnight mass, 
usually celebrated in all Catholic countries on this 
vigil. The bell tolled twelve I all was silent in the 
Plaza — no preparation appeared for the solemnity — 
the lofty Cathedral was shrouded in the deepest 

gloom ! — * * * How vexatious ! ! — 

and so exclaimed two of my messmates, (who 
landed about ten o'clock, and it seems had been 
patiently waiting, scarcely daring to breathe, with 
their hands on their swords, ready to set upon their 
poor solitary friend under the feigned character of 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 151 

robbers) when, after cooling their heels a pretty 
decent time, they found me quietly finishing my 
supper at the American Hotel. 

" How the plague did you get back 
without our seeing you, did you come down Calle 
San FelipS"? 

" No ! I came by another Quadre" ; 

(the streets at Monte Video are all at right angles, 

and thence are called Quadres). — They then 

related their design and disappointment; at which 
we had a hearty laugh. We separated at a late 
hour. * * * 

" Oh these bells, these bells !—— there's an 
end of all sleep, scarce in bed three hours; the 
tintinabulary clang dinned incessantly, and was as 
far from harmony as the smith's anvil from my own 
dear village bells. The only mode of ringing these 
Ecclesiastical alarmists is by an unmerciful attack 
on their sides, by a group of hammering performers, 
whose ears must have been rendered callous by long 
practice. Night-cap is hauled closer over the ears. 



152 



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no use !- — -handkerchief tied round, Pshaw, no 

use! pillow pushed up each side, still din, ding, 

clang, dong, clang, cla-ra-ang ! (a groan) Oh, 

dear! 'tis all in vain, Conf — ! there I have 

gulphed down the exclamation ding, clang, 

Pshaw ! back go the bedclothes, and out I go ! 

" Some von is call for you, Senor". Very 

well, I'll see him presently". 

Oh, Killery, is it you ; that's a good boy : have 
you brought a all my finery? Ah ! full dress coat — 
good — sword, belt, sash — all right — must be fine 
to day, you know — here, take all these on board, 
and lock them up ; there are my keys : it is un- 
certain when 1 shall return, so be careful of them". 

" All the Officers dine with the Captain, 

to day, Sir". " What do you say ? Oh ! the 

noisy bells, 1 can't hear a word". " All the 

Officers dine", &c. " Bless me, I had 

forgotten that ; well ! well ! tell them I'll be on 
board in time — as soon as high mass is over; so do 
you make haste down and be off". 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 153 



At this season the reflecting mind becomes 
naturally impressed with love and gratitude to the 
Saviour of mankind; and perhaps here 1 may be 
allowed to introduce a hymn, written by me some 
years ago. 

Hymn for Christmas. 
I. 

Aid me, my God, to praise thy Holy name, 
Dispel cold apathy's benumbing power; 

Oh ! bid my heart with true devotion flame, 
At the remembrance of this sacred hour. 

II. 

In many a clime, beneath thy Heav'nly Throne, 
Good Christians bend the reverential knee : 

Wide o'er the world thy awful power they own, 
That conquer'd death and set thy people free. 

III. 

With them, Oh ! may I raise my feeble voice— 
With them, in unison adore thy name 5 

Oh! bid my torpid bosom to rejoice, 

That for our sakes a healing Saviour came. 

IV. 

His happy birth on this illustrious day 

We seek to celebrate with praise and prayer; 

Lord, while we thus a grateful tribute pay, 
Do thou in grace and mercy bid us share. 

U 



154 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



V. 

And as the sacred choir of Angels came, 

Dispelling midnight's gloom with glory's beam, 

With joyful hymns a Jesus to proclaim— 
A Saviour born, fallen sinners to redeem ; 
Vf. 

So let thy Holy Spirit's cheering flame 

Pervade our minds and in onr bosoms dwell ; 

So let us gain salvation thro' his name, 
And every doubt and every fear dispel. 

VII. 

As the bright star that led the unerring way 
Of Eastern sages, to the Son of God; 

So let thy Holy Spirit's guiding ray 

Lead us to thee, through life's perplexing road. 

VIII. 

Blest be thy name. Oh ! Saviour, Christ, our Lord j 
Blest be the day thou cam'st to man below : 

Oh ! may we walk according to thy word, 
And seek thy will, thy Holy Law to know. 

IX. 

That when from Heaven again the Angels greet 
Thy dread descending, as our judge and Lord ) 

Thee we may humbly, yet unshrinking, meet, 
And from thy hand receive a blest reward. 

X. 

*' Glory to God on high", and smiling " peace' r 
" To men on earth", of pure and virtuous will; 

May true religion o'er the world increase, 
And all, of every age, his law fulfill. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



155 



After the service of the day I went to walk with 

Louisa and my dear little . \ but why should 

1 be so particular in noting down my every day's 
excursions with my juvenile friends; no one, who 
takes the trouble to overhaul my journal, will feel 
any interest in such memorandums * * * ere 
I go on board, 1 will just look in at * * * * * — 
Ah ! ray visit is rather mal-a-propos. T have long 
suspected Don T * * * is rather inclined to be 
jealous of our English flirtation ; and poor E* * * *, 
it seems, is punished for her little attempts at co- 
quetry; well, the circumstance furnishes me with 
materials for a song. 

The Withering Flower. 
1. 

Take back the flower you gave, 

When I believ'd thee true; 
Thou art fickle as the wave, 

And as deceitful too ; — 
Thy love has flitted with the hour, 
Then, Maiden, take thee back the flower. 



156 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

II. 

Yes, take it, withering though it be 

I thought to keep it ever; 
But thou hast trifled, E , with me, 

And can hope flourish? — never; 
Enjoy thy triumph of an hour, 
But, Maiden, take thee back the flower. 
III. 

Take back ah ! no, I will not part 

With all of Thee and Love that's left ; 

I'll wear the relic next my heart, 

That heart, by thee of peace bereft ; 

And while I mourn thy falsehood's power, 

With tears bedew — the withering flower*. 

* * * * December 28.— On shore, as 
usual; a quiet evening with an amiable family. 

December 29. Out of bed at four o'clock — bells 
again ! ! but away to my usual resort, the market- 
place ; it is near the citadel gate : the fruit and vege- 
tables are arranged before their venders in small 
heaps, which are of one price, a media, (5jd.); and 
differ only in size according to their intrinsic value. 



* Alas! the young lady lost her lover— he quitted Monte 
Video, and was seen at Rio Janeiro some time after, on the eve 
of embarking for London. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



157 



The stations of the market people are before wooden 
sheds, on wheels, where they deposit and lock up 
whatever remains unsold; behind these sheds the 
country butchers take their stand, by wicker carts 
covered with tilts, formed of hide; and there hang 
their meat, which is hacked in a wretched manner 
in all kinds of shapeless junks, such as no English 
housewife would look at. 

A number of cows moored strongly to large 
stones (poor beasts) ! await near the town wall, 
by the end of the market promenade, where a nume- 
rous assemblage of ladies and gentlemen, with their 
children, attend to partake of new milk before their 
morning walk; chairs are placed round for their 
accommodation. * * * 

? Tis noon : the clearness of a summer sky, the 
pure and refreshing current of air from the extensive 
river, tempts me to another walk, and to indulge in 
my usual reveries — I presume to form them into tha 
following imitation psalm : — 



158 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



Noon. 

1 Hear, O ! ye inhabitants of the earth : 
give ear to the praise of the Lord. 

2 From day to day we will recount his 
praise, and will shew forth all his goodness. 

3 The Angels of the Lord stand round about 
his throne, and thousands minister before the Lord 
God Most High. 

4 The glories of the heavens are displayed, 
and light and heat are upon the world. 

5 He directeth the sunbeam to shine: he 
causeth the wind to blow upon the mountain. 

6 He openeth the treasures of the heavens, 
and gives rain upon the face of the earth, 

7 He looketh down upon the earth, and 
herbs and flowers spring forth; he breatheth, and 
the almond tree putteth forth her blossom. 

8 Man goeth forth to his labour, and hopeth; 
for God, even his God, giveth the increase. 

9 Yea, for seed time and harvest are in the 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 159 

hands of the Lord, and all things are ruled by his 
will. 

10 He permitteth the vineyard to flourish: by 
his will the wine press is full. 

11 All seasons are directed by God, and the 
noon day disco vereth his power. 

12 O God! thy goodness is great: Oh! let 
us be wise in our time : 

13 Whilst thou givest us life, and health, and 
the noon-tide of existence be ours : 

14 That we turn from the path of the wicked, 
and go not the way of the ungodly : 

15 That we repent in the vigour of life, lest 
the darkness of eternal night be upon us — lest we 
be cut off in thine anger, and desolation come 
quickly upon us, and we be turned into hell. 

16 O Lord! thy goodness is great, send 
forth thy spirit upon us — be merciful, and make us 
wise in our time. 

While my thoughts were taking another flight, 
and I was indulging in visions of unrestrained fancy, 



160 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



R — _ — _ approached : " What alone, quite a 
solitary rambler" ? " My thoughts are generally 
good companions ; I am never less alone than when 
alone; 1 have always some fairy vision to enter- 
tain me, and am quite an aeriel architect; your 

sudden arrival has dissolved" " Pho ! Pho ! 

really H you must not indulge in such 

mental masonry; such bold adventuring into the 
regions of romantic imagination too often shakes 

reason from her throne". " My dear R , 

the sickening realities of life are not to be com- 
pared to the unsubstantial pleasures of imagina- 
tion".- " Well, 1 am unable to understand these 

shadowy enjoyments ; and pray dismiss them as 
soon as possible, and walk with me back to the 
town". " Heigho! I will not now stoop to gather 
up the scattered remains of my fallen castle ; I per- 
ceive it is getting late, let us hasten home to dress 
for dinner ; home did I say ! well, kindness has 
indeed sanctioned the term, and made us many 
homes here, independent of our floating residence 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 161 



yonder — we have yet far to go, and we must not 

keep our friends waiting". " Pray H — — do 

you think every one that is kind to you a friend"? 
" Assuredly not ; but there are some in Video whom 
I have reason to call such. I own friendship is a 
plant of rare growth, and its preservation depends 
greatly on a similarity of tastes and sentiments, in 
which selfishness (the bane of life) must have no 
part. Experience in early years has shown me 
there are flowers which resemble it; they shrink 
down at the cold breath of adversity. 

" Have you not, when the keen and winfry blast 
O'er the Autumnal wood severely pass'd, 
Seen leaf by leaf blown premature away, 
Shook by the storm from the deserted spray? 
Thus, like the withering leaves, with faithless heart, 
Friends (hollow friendship) ! hasten to depart, 
When sorrows deep, or adverse fate, dispell'd 
The illusive bliss prosperity upheld ; 
Fanned, by the breath of Fortune's silken wing, 
They share the blessing of life's early spring : 
But if reverse chides every hope away, 
Their friendship withers as their views decay. 

Immortal Friendship ! known too oft by name 
Alone ! — how many thousands claim 

X 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



Thy garb, to shield their interested guile, 
That prompts attendance when the prosp'rous smile 
"Who o'er the world, beneath thy sacred guise, 
Utter that friendship which the heart denies : 
In what sequester'd spot, what quiet cell, 
Does thy meek form, thus unregarded, dwell? 
Where are the hearts inspir'd by thee alone, 
"Who, in all scenes, thy genuine influence own 1 
Alas I deceit, with selfishness and pride, 
Spread o'er the world a vast impetuous tide ; 
Craft stems her bark along the obnoxious stream, 
And curst hypocrisy directs her scheme ! 
Seldom the man who sad misfortune tries, 
Can hope to meet with friendship's purest ties". * 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 163 



CHAPTER XIX. 



The Governor's — a Farewell to the Year — Arrival 
of the Briton — the Burial Ground — Louisita 
on the ruined Ramparts. 

Behold, at four o'clock, the Captain and officers 
in full uniform, proceeding with some of the mer- 
chants to the residence of the Portuguese governor, 
where a sumptuous dinner awaited us. We were 
received with the usual politeness and urbanity 
which mark Don Alva's deportment ; he is a florid, 
well-looking man, of middle age and stature, and 
was profusely decorated with orders and medals, 
the rewards justly gained in the Peninsular war. 



164 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

The multiplicity and rich gout of the dishes were 
equal to what the most fastidious epicure could 
desire. A large assemblage of the principal Por- 
tuguese officers were invited to meet us, and a fine 
band of music played during the entertainment, 
which lasted several hours. We separated at the 
close of a most agreeable day, highly gratified at 
the polite attention which every one was eager to 
evince. 

December 30. Adelina being rather poorly, 
Louisita and I went to see her. We had our usual 
walk after dinner in the environs; and then, in the 

evening, we went to Don G ? s : 1 was highly 

interested by the eldest daughter, the amiable Donna 

P ; she is lately married, but would not 

quit her blind and aged mother, to whom she has 
been all that an affectionate child ought to be, and 
all a tender parent could desire. For the sake of 
this good and afflicted old lady she has resigned 
all the pursuits and amusements usual at her age- 
balls, parties, and visiting — to attend, sooth, 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 165 



watch over, and contribute to her comfort. Such 
a daughter must make a good wife ; and 1 hope he 
who is blessed with her hand will duly appreciate 
her virtues ; and should she have children, I trust 
they will repay the filial piety which has shone so 
conspicuously in this lovely young woman. We 
remained with them a considerable time, highly 
entertained by the music and singing of her sisters, 
who are very pleasing girls. 

December 31. At five o'clock in the morning 
accompanied my little girls to our accustomed resort, 
the market-place; dined with them, and enjoyed 
our evening promenade. Afterwards walked with 
the Captain, to the Agels, and finished the year in 
company with that worthy family. 

I. 

Eternal power ! on whose sacred breath, 
Frail, feeble mortals can alone depend ; 

Whose word can save us from impending death, 
Or cause our earthly course at once to end 3 



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Accept thy lowly servant's grateful lays, 
For all the mercies of the closing year; 

Accept a humble sinner's ardent praise, 

And wLh thy spirit deign my soul to cheer. 
HI. 

For ah ! when memory casts a parting view 
O'er the eventful moments as they roll ; 

How many sins appear ! but virtues few ! 

Sad conscience wounds the penitential soul. 
IV. 

Has sickness e'er its palid influence shed? 

Have adverse scenes perplex' d my weary way ? 
Has death in tempests howl'd around my bed? 

Or grief, in silence, mark'd me for his prey ? 
V. 

Still clad with mercy, hast thy ready arm, 
Unseen, upheld me in life's thorny road: 

From every danger known, or secret harm. 
Was I protected by a parent God. 

vi. 

Tho' years on years have passed unheeded by, 

And fleeting time has winged its tractless flight ; 

How seldom have I raised the grateful eye, 
How seldom thought, or dared to act, aright. 
VII. 

A few short hours, and, as evening dies, 

The ling'ring year will vanish from my view ; 

Another, and perhaps the last arise, 

In which my earthly race I can pursue. 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



167 



VIII. 

In mercy then, O God, my sins forgive; 

In mercy deign to hear a thankful prayer : 
A little longer bid thy sappliant live, 

For thy eternal kingdom to prepare. 
IX. 

For all past blessings, Lord, I lowly pay 
My grateful thanks — a tribute justly due : 

Oh grant thy heavenly aid, my God, I pray ; 
Illume my spirit, and my heart renew. 

Amen. 

" Any thing in sight" ? was the usual morning 
enquiry; " mast-head there, keep a good look out" 
was the daily tune ; " look well round, and come 
down" was the evening song. The only ship we 
had communicated with since our arrival, in July, 
was the Creole, and she brought no letter of an 
earlier date than the beginning of May ; since that 
period we were in utter ignorance of the welfare of 
our dearest connexions : those only in similar situa- 
tions can judge of our increasing and intense 
anxiety when any sail hove in sight. " Pshaw, 'tis 
a Yankee; plague, 'tis a whaler"; — then again — 
" a brig, so many days from Gibralter" ; any thing 



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but the right sort of craft; — " a large sail standing 
right up the river" — all on the tiptoe of expectation — 
" 'tis a Dutchman bound for Buenos Ayres". No 
letters ! no letters! the budding hopes of the morn 
were constantly withered at eve. We were really 
now getting sad and sulky, notwithstanding the 
kind attentions of our Videon friends ; were it not for 
them, indeed, we should all have been jumping 
overboard, or playing some other rash vagary. Had 
we remained at Buenos Ayres, or any similar in- 
hospitable station, I do not know how we should 
have acted,, for we were at the very acme of im- 
patience; when, as we were all seated round our 
Captain's table, January 1st, 1824, " Fill your 
glasses, may this and every succeeding year increase 
your happiness and prosperity" 'had just beenuttered, 
down flew Wilmot, with a brightened coun- 
tenance, " the Briton, Sir, the Briton, she has 
just made her number"; a general burst of joy 
echoed through the cabin— " now we shall have 
letters" " Drink Sir Murray's good health". 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 169 



* * * * The days continued to 
pass in a routine of visits, many of the Briton's 
accompanying us. Our orders were to proceed to 
Rio Janeiro. 

" Come, before we depart, let us have one quiet 

walk into the country" " Bless me ! how 

curious" ! u What is the matter ; why are you 
looking so intently at those Hormigas" ? (emmets) 
" Indeed they are a very clever set of little insects ; 
they are taking good care the sun shall not spoil 
their beauty". 

It is certainly a very singular circumstance that 
these ants should be every one provided with a small 
piece of leaf, which they carry a little elevated over 
their heads, as if to shelter themselves from the 
scorching heat : this miniature parasol is formed 
by the industrious little creatures into a triangular 
shape; and thus equipped they proceed in innu- 
merable files through their small roads, which are 
to be met with in every direction. 

In our way we arrived at the burial ground, 



170 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

about half a mile outside the north gate, a disgrace 
to this settlement. Although there is so much waste 
land, the portion allotted for the final rest of the 
Videons is far less than the smallest church-yard 
of the humblest village in England; and the con- 
sequence is, that before the bodies are sufficiently 
consumed, they are disinterred, to make room for 
others, from shallow graves not two feet deep, and 
thrown aside in a corner — a ghastly and noisome 
spectacle. The greater part are buried uncoffined, 
and in their clothes, remnants of which strew the 
ground ; some are entombed in coarse shells of 
rough planks. The only memorials erected are small 
boards on a wooden cross, with the name and age 
rudely painted, and which remain no longer at the 
grave than the half decayed tenant ; I must except 
two tombs of stone, somewhat resembling those of 
England. "When I look at the state of this ccmetry 
I cannot but repeat it is a disgrace to the town and 
to their civilization. ***** 

January 5th. "This, I fear, will be our last 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS, 171 



evening walk, Louisita, for I shall be much occupied 
the few remaining days of our stay ; come, then, 
accompany me, before we sail, to see our Adelina 
once more". * * * "lam rather disappointed 
at her inability to join us in our promenade to day ; 
let us go out by the Gate, the memorable spot where 
Vassal fell, and where so many bled in the storming 

party". "Yes, mamma gave me a long account 

of it the other day". — We ascended the rampart 
that I might have another view over the country. 

~'Twas eve, and the sunbeam yet spangled the flood, 

And glowed on the wave of the varying tide, 
As high on the ramparts of Video I stood, 

While my artless companion remained by my side— 
1 cast my eyes round, o'er the desolate plain, 

Where the footsteps of war such havoc had spread, 
1 turned to the gate — I sighed o'er the green, 

Where Britons had fought, and where heroes had bled ; 
And I thought on the slain, that far, far from their home, 

Now reposed by the banks of the wild river's stream — 
Where each wave sighed a requiem, dissolving in foam, 

That shed on the dark turf a pale silvery gleam ; 
And I thought on my home, the casket that held 

My heart's dearest treasure, my H and boys — 

And mourned that my fate had so sadly compelled 

Me to leave that loved scene of affection and joys. 



172 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



I turned to Louisa, the unconscious child 

To the edge of the fosse now vent'rous had strayed — 

And my heart sunk within me, while thoughtless and wild, 
She tripped o'er the grass, and too heedlessly played* 

The deep dark ravine lay in silence below, 

While o'er it the ordnance and battlements hung, 

All blushing with evening's last roseate glow, 

Which over the town the mild heavens had flung. 

I gazed on the maiden, she seemed like a flower, 
A wild flower sweet, half floating in air, 

As it bends on the height of some old castle tower, 
And mid the grey ruins looks lovely and fair. 

The evening bugle thrice had sung, 

And thrice the vesper bell had rung ; 
And trembling on the cross and spire 
The Summer's evening rays expire : 
And darker, darker grew the shade 
The high cathedral dome had made. 
Again the bell tolls loud and clear ; 
Again, the bugle sounds more near : 
I called my lovely little friend, 
And turned the glacis to descend ; 
But yet I paused, and one last look 
O'er the wild plains I sadly took-^- 
'Twas the last eve, for ne'er again 
May I review that ravaged plain : 
I marked the wide horizon round, 
With dark and awful ruins cfowned— 
Where once the Cordon flourished far, 
Ere fallen beneath the scourge of war ; 
I sighed, as fancy to my view 
Its former peaceful station drew—* 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 173 



The Quintas, with their gardens fair, 

And stately mansions, once were there; 

By savage foes now left with scorn, 

'Deserted, silent, and forlorn ! — 

— First Britain's troops the land invade, 

And here an early havoc made ; 

But soon, the short-lived conquest o'er, 

They seek again their native shore. 

Then, self-named Patriots — rebel bands — 

From Buenos Ay res, Pampa lands, 

—■With untamed spirits fired from hell — 

On the defenceless loyal fell. 

Artigas reared his haughty crest, 

Republic fury fired his breast ; 

And bidding Video's land be free — 

Despoiled them of their liberty. 

Then Lusitania's force appear 

O'er this devoted land, to rear 

The flag of war, with fire and steel — 

From the high mountains of Brazil. 

The result we have seen. * * * The 
shades of approaching night warned us to descend; 
and we hastened home to the calm comforts of a 
tranquil domestic evening. 



174 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER XX. 



Holiday for the Slaves — the Theatre — abrupt 
Departure — no Adieus. 

January 6. I accompanied the worthy Chap- 
lain of the Briton to the Cathedral ; he expressed 
a wish to be present at the ceremonies of the day, 
and I offered to explain the different parts of the 
service, which is performed here with greater sim- 
plicity than in most Catholic churches. Many of 

The slaves and free blacks annually elect, on 
this day, a king, who, by the bye, serves as a petty 
magistrate in all their trifling disputes : on this oc- 
casion it is a kind of saturnalia, their masters and 
employers lending them rich dresses, uniforms, 
swords, &e. (for they are then all armed). — " Ah ! 
is it good policy to allow them arms"? "The slaves 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 177 

are few at Monte Video, and kindly treated ; indeed, 
so like humble friends and confidental servants 
that no danger can be apprehended". " 1 thought 
you spoke, the other day, with no small indignation, 
of the cruel treatment the slaves experience"? 
" That was from the Brazilians and other nations — 
not the Videons; for no where are they treated 
with greater mildness and kindness than here. 
The king elect was to day in a gay uniform — blue 
and gold, with two epaulets, &c. — and his court 
equally fine. The queen and ladies of honour, 
were handsomely and tastefully dressed — their mis- 
tresses allowing them the use of their ornaments. 

* * * $ ^y e p assec [ th e theatre, which is very 
small, has a most miserable appearance outside ; and 
I am told its interior is no better, being whitewashed 
only, and unceiled : the roof is supported by two large 
columns, which rise from the centre of the pit, aud 
greatly obstruct the view of the stage : the pit is 
without benches, and the men assemble there, 
smoking their cigars ; the boxes have no seats, so 



178 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

that each lady has her chair brought by a servant. 
The dramatic pieces are wretched, and the per- 
formers themselves worse. 

The highly improper custom of having the 
theatres open on Sunday evening is usual here, as it 
is (to their shame be it spoken) in most Catholic 
countries — -how is a nation to expect any blessings 
from the Supreme Being, while such an impious 
violation of the Sabbath is permitted ! instead of 
which, churches ought to be open, and evening 
service performed. In London, I believe, such is 
the case; and it were well if this advantage was 
extended to country parishes : public-houses, the 
pest of a village, would not be so much frequented ; 
enthusiastic conventicles of itinerant ignorance, 
which are nearly as injurious, would, perhaps, be 
less fashionable among the lower classes. What 
edification or improvement can be derived from 
such nonsense as is too frequently uttered there; 
take, for instance, the following extracts from a 
sermon, actually preached in my neighbourhood, 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 179 

by one of these travelling preachers : — " You zee, 
my vriends, ( speaking of Dives and Lazarus ) this 
here Dives was a very rich man, and I dare zay 
had a-got every thing comfortable about un — and 
why should'nthe? he had a right to enjoy himself; 
he wore vine cloathes every day ; well, there was 
no harm in that if he could pay vor um : that there 
was no crime in him, you know — only he should ha' 
minded Lazarus. Well, you zee, he died and was 
buried ; well, and 1 dare zay had got a very vine 
vuneral, a power of volks attending, and why 
should'nt he ! he was a rich man you know. Well, 
you zee, Lazarus died too, and he was very poor. 
We've no authority about his burying — —we don't 
know what was done wi' he ; but tes my belief, as 
tes zed the dogs were zo vond of un when he was 
alive, that they eat un all up when a was dead! ! 

* * * I've heard zay, my vriends, that hell 
was paved with good intentions; we've no authority 
for that you know; but I think as how tes no 



180 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

zuch thing, because we are told tes a bottomless pit, 
zo where can the pavement be" ? * * * 

This was copied down, verbatim, and may be 
depended on as accurate. The preacher spoke the 
broad Devonshire, and was one of the humblest 
class of life. * * * 

We proceeded from the Cathedral to the Found- 
ling Hospital, the chapel of which is very plain 
and poor; to the Baron Leguna the merit of 
founding this excellent institution is to be ascribed : 
it does him great honour. My reverend companion 
and myself were engaged to meet Sir Murray 
Maxwell, and a large party, at dinner. In the 
evening, after tea, we had music and singing : quite 
a private concert. * * * 

Wednesday, January 7. Early this morning I 
returned on board — how unfortunate ! owing to the 
excessive sultriness of the weather at this time, I 
became quite an invalid, and was, consequently, 
unable to bid " adieu" to our kind Videons and the 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 181 

dear children. We separated from this hospitable 
and friendly town with feelings of grateful and 
sincere regret, the 13th January, Louisita's birthday, 
on which I had promised to attend a little fete or 
tertulia, to be given to many of her young Spanish 
friends. * * * 



182 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER XXI. 

ft*. v 



Change of Ships — Rio Janeiro — a Brazilian Story. 

It was with agitated feelings I descended the 
ship side, the 14th February, 1824, at Rio Janeiro, 
to proceed to the Spartiate; it was painful to 
leave a Captain and messmates for whom I felt the 
warmest attachment, and whom I certainly would 
not have quitted, but that domestic affairs rendered 
it indispensable. In exchanging my dear little ship, 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 183 



for a temporary residence in H.M.S. Spartiate, 
however, I lost nothing in kindness, pleasant 
society, and friendly attention; few ward-room 
messes could present a more well-informed, gentle- 
manly, agreeable assemblage, than that of the flag- 
ship ; and 1 take this opportunity of expressing my 
grateful sense of the kind attention of the worthy 
Admiral Sir George Eyre, Captain G. Falcon, and 
all the officers. Notwithstanding a great many 
amusements, visitors on board, dramas, &c. time 
seemed to proceed on leaden wings ; the shore I 
seldom trod — 1 had no interest there, and hospita- 
lity, or any attention to the British officers, 
appeared to be out of the question ; 1 must except 
the names of Bertram, May, and Williams. 

1 am afraid there will be a great blank here, for 
what can I make of such forlorn fragments of my 
journalas the following : — Shore— green and silver — 
museum * * * disappointed — Emperor * * * 
active spirited — splendid * * service * * navy 
walk * * gloria * * officers * * Cockrane 



184 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

* * Pedro primero— early in the morning — burial 
ground — grand review — consul — empress — prin- 
cesses — illuminations — forts — fireworks — national 
library — opera house — fire — cruize— Cape Frio — 
scenery — sugar loaf. 

This is a specimen of a very small part, and it 
would be a hopeless task to attempt to make any 
thing of it. 

We were very intimate with the officers of Le 
Jean Bart, French line of battle ship, exchanging 
frequent visits, and on terms of great cordiality. 

* * The frigate, in which I embarked to return 
to England, received unexpected and sudden orders 
to proceed to Monte Video, under the command of 
Captain W. Hope Johnstone, to whose kind, gen- 
tlemanly, and indulgent conduct, I am equally 
and gratefully indebted, as to that of Captain 
G. W.Willes, of the Brazen. 

Ah ! what have I here ? another fragment 
saved * * * hark! there is music from 
yonder galleried window : by the pale light of the 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 185 



moon I see Engracia in a kneeling attitude. Listen, 
it is her 

Vesper Hymn. 
I. 

Oh, let no earthly feeling, 

My God, remain with me, 
No sinful thought concealing, 
Or wish, unworthy Thee. 
Be all my actions ruled by Holy Love, 
Which fairing Heaven may bless and Thou approve. 
II. 

Oh, Heavenly Father, never 

May guilt my bosom stain, 
But may thy Spirit ever 
Within my heart remain. 
Be all my actions ruled by Holy Love, 
Which fav'ring Heaven may bless and Thou approve. 
III. 

And let my failings vanish 

Before thy mercy's breath ; 
Each idle thought I'd banish, 
Nor fear the power of death. 
Be all my actions ruled by Holy Love, 
Which fav'ring Heaven may bless and Thou approve. 
IV. 

Such love as angels feel 

Before thy heavenly throne, 
Father ! to me reveal, 

And me, thy servant, own. 
Be all my actions ruled by Holy Love, 
Which fav'ring Heaven may bless and Thou approve. 

2 A 



186 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



V. 

While gazing here below, 

I long to come to Thee ; 
If earth such beauties shew, 
Oh ! what must heaven be ! 
Be all my actions ruled by Holy Love, 
Which fav'ring Heaven may bless and Thou approve* 

VI. 

For blessings of the light 

My gratitude I pay ; 
Oh ! guard me thro' the night, 
When darkness holds her sway : 
Then let me wake, inspired with Holy Love, 
Which fav'ring Heaven may bless and Thou approve. 

* * * * As" a substitute for the loss of 
that part of my Journal during my stay at Hio, 1 
beg to insert a story I hastily scribbled out one 
morning when in a poetical mood. All the de- 
scriptive parts are faithful, but the characters and 
incidents ideal. 



A Scene at Rio Janeiro, 

Dark were the heavens — save in the horizon 
There was a fearful streak of light ; 

Kor yet had monk said due benison, 

Nor friend bad breathed a kind " good night' 5 '; 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



187 



And mountain, wood, and valley laid 
In one opaque and awful shade — 
And stillness reigned — save where the roar 
Of waters rolled along the shore : 
Each vessel's dark artillery 
Now dipped the wave, now rose on high 
Pointing their terrors to the sky ; 
The watch was set — yet some in sleep 
Were curtain'd on the mighty deep. 
The buruing breath of day remain'd 

To scorch the veil of night, 
And thus the air the blast retain'd 

Of fiery tropic light — 

And now arose the fervid gale : 

The scattered stars grew dim and pale— 

And heavy hung the extended gloom, 

" Dark as the mansions of the Tomb"; 

And hark ! as if each mighty wind 

From CEolus' cave had all combined, 

With one tremendous voice, to sever 

Rocks, mountains, seas, from earth for ever— = 

To rend in one terrific peel 

The canopy of heaven- 
While systems, worlds, and planets reel ; 

Such soul apalling sounds are given : 
And ever and anon a light 

Shot thro' the jarring element, 
As if the sun, in wild affright, 
Had from his heaving ocean bed 
Reared up his mighty burning head, 
And gazed on mountain, grove, and plain, 
One moment, and sunk down again — 

And thus repeated glances sent ; 



188 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



So strong the alternate light went forth, 
From East to West, from South to North. 
At such an hour, by cavern drear, 

Where long an ancient cross had stood 
To mark the lowly hillock near— 

The site of murder and' of blood ; 
Beneath the mighty mangoes shade 
There stood a veiFd and trembling maid- 
It was the hour — the promis'd hour — 

When he, who vowed eternal truth, 
To save her from a kinsman's power — 

To guard her unprotected youth, 
Should come, despight of storm and wave, 
The hapless Isabel to save. 

On the Azuca's awful height 

Quiver'd the forked and sulphurous light — 

The waters of the bay below 

Now like liquid fires glow ; 

And now in sable darkness spread, 

Like Stygian lake, all deep and dread. 

— — -A light there is on Gloria hill, 

It is the eve of festival — • 

And many-coloured lamps are swinging 

Round the high tower and holy fane; 
And bells, incessant bells, are ringing, 

And tapers glow thro' every pane ; 
The foliage round is richly dight 
From the solemn altar's light : 
But ever and anon, how dim 
The coloured lamps and tapers seem- 
When flashes, from the heavens' blaze, 
Scatter wild terror and amaze ; 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



But yet again at intervals, 

Blue, gold, and crimson, on the foam 
All lightly tremble, where the falls 

Of waters, laved beneath the dome, 
Reflected from the illumin'd tower, 
O'er the high cliff and rocky shore. 
— — Fair Isabella, sad and faint, 
Addressed her to her patron saint — 
Then turned her eyes all wistfully 
Upon the wide and heaving sea j 
By the low fort of Villag'non 

She saw the well known vessel ride — 
She marked it, ere the setting sun, 

Reeling in the uneasy tide ; 
In every flash she could discover 
The bark of Henry, her lover — 
u Why comes he not? the hour is past — 
Oh, why so slow, so little haste ? 
Is it the tempest — does he dread 
The storm that rages o'er my head? 
Thinks he of friendless Isabel, 
A houseless wand'rer? who can tell 
But that the signal has been made 
By me unseen ! what if betrayed ! 
Oh ! sacred virgin ! no ! 1 see 
A fire-streak rising from the sea, 
A thread of light ascends on high— 
Now curves upon the sable sky ; 
Now falling — brilliant stars appear 
Darting along the atmosphere ; 
They sparkle on the arch of heaven-— 
It is the promised signal given ! 



190 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



And oh ! the storm is fast subsiding — 
His boat is o'er the blue wave riding ; 
The moon is thro' yon cloud appearing — 

The silv'ry mist floats swiftly on — 
The Argant mountain heights are clearing, 

And storm and darkness both are gone" 
She said — and watched the boat below, 
As onward dashed its foaming prow. 
She saw it wind t'wards Gloria hill, 

To reach the promised landing place ; 
Nor longer stood the maiden still, 

But forward urged her rapid pace : 
But ah ! across her path a glare 

Of torches burst upon her sight ; 
She turns, she durst not venture there, 

Antonio had perceived her flight : 
She sees the flash of hostile swords, 
And e< forward, forward", are the words 
That ring upon her startled ear — 
They chill her beating breast with fear- 
Again she turns, a path is by, 
And only thither can she fly ; 
It leads to the illumined porch 
Of Gloria's decorated church ; 
The folding doors are open thrown, 
Thro' which the countless tapers shone, 
That burnt upon the silver shrine, 
"Where flowers the jewell'd vases twine.* 
Shall she proceed? 'twere death to stay- 
But hark ! the shout of wild affray 
Nearer and nearer echoes on — 
She faints upon the cold grey stone 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 191 



Beneath the sacred portal ; but a sound 
Portentous calls her back to life : 

Borne to the altar, on the step she lies, 

The din of fearful combat rings around, 
She startles at the unholy strife ; 

The temple, filled with clam'rous cries, 
Becomes a scene of death and blood. 
There Henry— faithful Henry stood; 
One arm sustains his Isabel : 

His daring crew devoted swear 
Dearly each gallant life to sell 

To save the hapless fair. 
Long was the contest, fiercely each warrior strove, 
And fought as warmed by vengeance or by love'-** 
There sacred garments strew the sainted floor, 

Down fall the tapers, cross, and silver shrine ; 
Chalice and Thurible are stained with gore, 

And scattered wreaths the combatants entwine ; 
"Wreaths of bright flowers from the altar falling, 
Mingling their sweets amidst the fight appalling. 

With more than human force, at length 
Exerting all his energy and strength, 
Thro' all the bands that round him strove, 
Bold Henry bore away his love ; 
And darting thro* the portal wide, 

Down, down the winding path they flew, 
To where the boat danced on the tide ; 

And close came on his hardy crew, 
Retreating, facing, on their way 
They kept pursuers all at bay ; 
While shot and whistling bullet pass'd : 
They reached the welcome boat at last. 



192 



RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



'Twas but a moment — and the oar 
Dashes the bark from off the shore ; 
The keel grates o'er the yielding sand : 
She floats — they quit the hostile strand. 
The many-tinted lamps above 
Just tinged the pale cheek of his love, 
As thro' the white and bounding spray 
Brave Henry bears his prize away : 
" Give way and hoist the swelling sail"— ■ 
She bends before the fresh'ning gale. 
While, raging on the extended beach, 

Antonio sees — with fury sees 
The maiden borne beyond his reach, 

Cutting the wave with fav'ring breeze. 
" Fire on the boat ye trembling slaves ! 
And sink them in the rolling waves ; — 
Fly, Zamba, fly, and every boat 
That yet can sail — that yet can float, 
Do thou engage, and with thy fellows, 
Pursue them o'er the foaming billows : 
I to the fort will speed my force, 

And bid them stop yon vessel's course''. — 

Hark ! how each murmuring fortress gun 
Peals forth and thunders, one by one, 
Upon the fated ship, while weighing 

Her anchor from the caverned deep ; 
And sails are loosing, yards are swaying, 

And not an eye is closed in sleep. 
The boat has touch'd the vessel's side, 
And Henry bears his destin'd bride 

To the cabin's low seclusion, 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



193 



Then on the deck he takes his stand, 
Cheering his true devoted band ; 
While Isabel, half faiut with dread, 
Starts at the uproar o'er her head, 
And deems the scene delusion. 
Now jards and sails and cordage round, 
Send forth a fearful mingled sound ; 
The capstan creaks, while rings the pawl* ; 
Loud whistles every hostile ball : 
As down the liquid deep they fly 
They send the wat'ry columns high ; 
These, glittering in the pale moonbeam, 
Like num'rous diamond fountains seem. 

A light flotilla onward rows, 
Laden with white and sable foes ; 
But vain their toil, and vainly fly 
The shot from black artillery.- — — 

The land breeze from the mountain's height 
Favors the lovers in their flight ; 
The signal lights swing to the wind 
On Santa Cruz, far, "far behind, 
And the last gun has vainly given 
Its final murmurs t'ward high heaven ; 
"While, safe from ill, to Albion's land 
Their happy, fearless course they bend. 



* Why did they not cut or slip ?— A Naval Critic, 



2 B 



194 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



* * * * 1 have found another rescued 
scrap. * * * * 

* * * At dinner at Mr. Bertram's, Among 
the fruits brought on table, at the desert, were the 
Capsules, or rather the germen of the Passion 
Flower, the pulp of which had a peculiar but not 
unpleasant flavour; they are very large in this 
country. Memo.] A near and dearly beloved friend 
once made an impromptu on this sacred flower. 
I hope she will excuse my inserting, without her 
consent, this little effusion of her pious and amiable 
heart. 



The bud of Hope. 
I. 

From all those beauteous flowers I see, 
O ! cull some bud of hope for me. 
The Rose? ah no, too brightly gay, 
Its colour — transient as the day- 
May bloom awhile on beauty's breast, 
And for its fragrance be carest. 

II. 

The Jessamine? no, its sweet perfume, 
And yon wild Woodbine's lorely bloom : 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



195 



The streaked Carnation, fair to view, 
And Hyacinth — or Violet blue; 
Though pleasing — yet they suit not me — 
They speak not of eternity. 

III. 

The Passion Flower? yes, there I find 
Fit subject for a Christian's mind; 
Sweet emblem of a Saviour's Love, 
Unrivalled in the plain or grove ; 
Not one so valued can I see- 
Thence cull the bud of hope for me. 

U TTE. 



196 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



CHAPTER XXII. 



Return to Monte Video — melancholy thoughts — 
absent Messmates — Augustine, the deserted 
child — Sir Murray Maxwell at his lessons — 
departure of the Briton — Doris ordered for 
England — affectionate Adieus — the last even- 
ing — conclusion. 

Being appointed to EL M. S. Doris, instead 
of proceeding immediately to England, as 1 ex- 
pected, after some stay at Rio Janeiro she received 
sudden orders to sail for Rio Plata, and I had 
again an opportunity of revisiting Monte Video, 
which I thought I had quitted for ever: we went 
to relieve the Briton. On my return thither 1 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 197 

found some changes had taken place — part of the 
A gel family were away; the pretty Lissarda was 

gone to Buenos Ayres, whither Mr. and Mrs. P 

and their lively, pleasing, good tempered daughter 
Anne were also removed : this was a sad chasm 
among my friends. W. was on his way to England. 
The recluse mentioned in Chapter 14th, no longer 
lived in retirement, but mingled with the world ; 
and a new hotel had sprung up in opposition to the 
worthy Canfields, but with little chance of success. 
The Brazilian standard was now hoisted, and 

Baron Laguna again governor. In revisiting all 

the scenes of our late adventures an unavoidable 
melancholy stole over me; my old companions and 
messmates were no longer here to participate in my 
rambles, amusements, and visits ; and the different 
habits, tastes, and pursuits of my new ones, so ill 
accorded with mine, that we never visited on shore 
together; the worthy surgeon*, alone, who had 



This worthy but esteemed friend died suddenly, at the 
Hungerford Coffee House, a few days after the DORIS was paid off. 



198 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



(with me) belonged to the little ship, the Brazen, 
sometimes accompanied me. From the size and 
great draught of water of the frigate, we were 
obliged to anchor a considerable distance from the 
shore: this circumstance, united to the incessant 
gales which continued during the short time we 
were here, afforded me (comparatively) but few op- 
portunities of seeing my Videon friends. When in 
my few lonely rambles I turned to review the well 
known scenes, 1 could not help calling to my mind 
the beautiful words of Moore, and applying them, 
with some alteration, to myself. 

Here, on this silent plain, 

With well known scenes that bound me, 
Fond niein'ry brings the light 

Of other days around me, 

Alas ! and where are all 

The friends so linked together 5 

Now far where duties call, 

The sport of wave and weather ! 

Here left alone, 

I feel like one 
In banquet hall deserted, 

Whose lights are fled, 

Whose garlands dead, 
And all but he departed.——* * ■ 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



109 



Heigho! it is useless for me to give way to 
these feelings. * * * * * 1 called one 

evening on — ; she was in a very pensive 

mood — all her vivacity had disappeared — I heard 

her story, but I must not betray secrets ; L * 

knows ivhat I mean. 1 saw she tried to rally her 
spirits ; it was a melancholy interview ; we never 
met again.— — Some time after I composed these 
lines, faithfully delineating her feelings. 

J. 

There is a dark, dark cloud of night 

For ever hov'ring o'er my head ; 
And roseate Spring and Summer's light 

To me are dim beneath its shade : 
In golden Autumn, Winter drear, 
That dark, dark cloud is ever near . 

II. 

There is a cold, cold drop for ever, 
Lodged in my heart's remotest cell ; 

And all life's gaieties can never 
Its chilling influence dispel ; 

Nor festal dance — nor music cheer : 

That cold, cold drop is ever near. 

I passed my time much in the same manner as 
when last here; my morning visits, my evening 



200 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

walks, all followed in succession. Sometimes my 
little girls accompanied me; again we gathered 
wild flowers, ascended the ramparts, or scrambled 
over the rocks that guard the banks of the river ; 
and again took our morning draught of milk at the 
well known market-place. * * * 

"Whose infant is that playing at your feet, 

Louisita"? " A poor deserted child; its parents 

have quitted the place, and left the little Augustine 
an orphan on the world. This woman, who is 
serving us with milk, has taken it out of compassion, 
and supports it as well as her means will permit ; 
but poorly as you may perceive, Sir, by his scanty, 
ragged clothing", — " The kindness of that generous 
woman may not meet its reward in this world, Louisa, 
but depend on it such a truly christian act will not 
be forgotten by Him who has said " in as much as 
those who have visited the sick, sheltered the 
houseless, clothed the naked, fed the hungry, and 
provided for the desolate, even the least of these 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 20L 

his brethren — have done it unto him* ? ". 

" Are you going on board now, Sir" ? — " Yes 

my love" " Well then I shall fly my kite to 

morrow, from the Azotea, as a signal ; so you will 
come on shore then" ? — — " I cannot promise ; and 
you forget that it is no very easy matter to distinguish 
your kite from the number I see continually hover- 
ing over the houses". 

Kite flying appears to form almost the sole 
amusement of boys and girls here. The Azoteas 
are fine play places for them, and an agreeable 
promenade for their parents : one sees them filled 
every evening with different family parties, and their 
visitors, enjoying the cool air. The roof of every 
house called La Azotea, is quite flat, guarded 
by a low parapet; many have a square turret above 
all — no chimnies to be seen. The largest houses 
rarely exceed one story in height; (others have only 
a ground floor, but are similar in every other 



* Matthew, Chap.xxiv. yerses, 38, 39, 40. 

2 C 



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RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



respect) ; the apartments are extremely lofty, airy, 
and capacious : part of the ground floor is usually 

appropriated to a store or offices. The houses 

are quadrangular, having the Patio, or court, in the 
centre, in which is a draw-well ; above, a broad 
iron gallery runs round, and each apartment opens 
separately into it with huge, heavy, folding glass 
doors, through which the only light they receive 
is admitted : no ceilings, the rafters and tiles which 
support the Azotea being visible. The walls are 
sometimes stained with water colours, but mostly 
whitewashed, and the floors are composed of thin 
brick or red tiles ; the furniture is generally simple 
and plain, piano fortes excepted, which are usually 
elegant, and no respectable house is without 
one. I scarcely ever saw the walls adorned with 
either paintings or pictures — no fire places, but some 
in cold weather, make use of cabin stoves. 

Having paid my respects to the Consul, and 
Baron Laguna, I devoted the remainder of my 
time to my friends, in a repetition of visits — from 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



203 



the 16th to the 25th. And here 1 cannot resist 
remarking, during the evenings I passed at Mr. 

D 's, how interesting it was to see that excellent 

and gallant officer, Sir Murray Maxwell, with the 
blooming children on his lap, kindly condescending 
to translate some pretty French stories to the one, 
and becoming himself the pupil of the other- — 
indulgently attending to the playful instructions of 
his juvenile tutoress : contrasts produce beauty, and 
certainly the domestic scene between the hero and 
the child exhibited a very pleasing one. !No officer 
in the service is more justly esteemed than Sir 
Murray, in whom the most undaunted courage is 
blended with a mildness and gentleness truly 
amiable. 

The Briton sailed for Valparaiso, and the 
Eclair arrived with orders for us to proceed to 
England; and on the 25th September, as the 
weather appeared to threaten a return of gales which 
we had already experienced for some time, I thought 
it better to decline any further invitations, and take 



204 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 

a final leave.— 1 prepared to call once more 

on those with whom I had passed so many happy 
hours ; my joy was certainly mingled with some 
regret at parting with friends I might never see 
again — particularly with my little artless companion, 
Louisita, and still more so when I bade farewell to 
my placid Adelina. When I went, with Louisita, 
to bid her adieu, the poor child threw her arms 
round my neck with an emotion of infantine regard, 
which moved me nearly as much as if parting with 

one of my own children " Adios, adios, no 

me olvide Adelina mia — viva mi querida nina de 
mode que hacefeliz sus Parientes, que sea el adorno 

de su religion — y el delicto de sus conocidos" ! • 

" Adios, Adelina mia Bios guarde, vm muchos anos 
— no me olvide '! The cheering prospect of home, 
however, was rising to my view, and illumined the 
cloud that hung over me : — if these innocent little 
girls had become dear to me, the beloved 
inmates of my humble cottage were far, far dearer; 
and I now began to count the lingering hours with 



[ 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 205 

restless anxiety, impatient again to behold all that 
makes existence valuable to me — my inestimable 

H tte and excellent boys. Mr. Av ne 

wished me to pass the day at his house, and I 
received another kind invitation from Mc K. ; I was 
too restless to stay, and 1 hurried on board, ex- 
pecting to weigh the next morning : but my patience 
was yet to be tried a little longer, the wind became 
unfavourable, the weather stormy, and as the navi- 
gation of the Plata is by no means safe, it was 
judged more prudent to wait a little longer — no one 
revisited the Town. At length the joyful sound, 
"All hands unmoor", rang through the ship — it 
was evening — the gale* was gradually subsiding — 
I went on deck to take a last look at the towers of 
Video; the sun was just setting, the hospitable 
mansions were receding gradually into the deep 
gloom of approaching night; one single ray yet 



* That uight an American ship was wrecked on the English 
bank, and the crew took refuge on board our frigate. 



206 RESCUED FRAGMENTS OF 



glanced along Calle San Josef — one solitary window 
there caught the heavenly glow, and threw a mo- 
mentary stream of light along the swelling waters; 
as I leaned over the railing of the quarter deck 
and watched its fading glory, I gave way to the 
following reflections, which 1 afterwards added 
to the memorandums of this day. 

'Tis the last evening, and the fresh'ning gale, 
The cold chill messenger of gloomy night, 
Cresting each ware with many a snowy wreath — - 
Sweeps slowly o'er the river's heaving tide ; 
The heavy clouds reluctant roll their way 

Before the queen of darkness and of sleep. 

Obedient to her rule, they interpose 
Their sombre shades, invidious to obscure 
The gentle smile of the declining sun 
On this last evening, that yet trembling holds 
Her sway on Video's mount and distant plain. 
Blush not the clouds at so unkind an errand ? 
Oh yes ! a softened crimson steals aloug 

O'er every shade: — tis o'er; a purple glow 

Deepens on every swelling cloud, that seems, 
With conscious pride, to dare the sinking power 
That soon again, in new born glories clad, 
Shall chase their self-important gloom away. 
Thus have I seen too oft the modest youth, 
New to the world — to the world's vices new — 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 207 



"When first with manlier companions placed, 
Blush at the jest obscene— or daring oath— 
Or infidel denial of the power 
Of Him, and of the ever sacred book 
Of life — and hope — and of eternal bliss— 
'Till taught alas ! by those whose callous hearts 
Are black as darkness of eternal night ; 
The blush of modesty too soon recedes 
To the harsh colouring of impurpled pride- 
While with an impious hardihood he dares 
Deride the light of holy revelation, 
And shut conviction from his clouded mind : 
In vain ! no subtile sophistry — no shade 
Of principles demoniac, can hide 
The sacred halo, which Religion throws 
From Truth's own mirror round her holy book: 
Mirror of Heaven ! by fair angels wrought 
From the pure chrystal sea, before the throne 
Of Him who was — who is— and is to come.— 
— — =-'Tis the last evening! and the ensuing morn 
Will see us far along the watery plain ; 
Yet grateful memory oft will linger here. 

'Tis strange, that though athwart the setting sun 
The clouds relentlessly are pendant still — 
That brilliant light in sudden radiance shines, 
Beaming on yonder mansion's window, where 
The child, the humble Adelina dwells. 
No other casement shines with borrowed light- 
No other mansion meets the golden hue— 
For all around is lost in softened shade : 
Nor can I see through all the gathered cloud* 
From what transparent part the sacred fire, 



208 



CABIN MEMORANDUMS. 



The last, last ray of the declining sun 

Pierces, to shed this solitary glow. — 

O ! like this glorious ray Almighty Lord, 
On her young heart thy Holy Spirit beam — 
That she may learn to know and do thy will, 
And walk in piety and virtue's ways. 
O Thou ! whose glories fill etherial space- 
To thy protecting care I now commend 
Those gen'rous hearts, with liberal feelings warmed, 
That shewed us kindness in a foreign land ! 

Mild evening glides away on dewy car, 

And bows her head, with balmy breath, to sigh 
A farewell o'er each flow'ret sweet, and close 
Th' expanded petals w ith maternal care, 
Lest the cold blast Spring's* early hope destroy. 

'Tis o'er ! — and night ascends her ebon throne ; 
The final gun resounds along the shore — 
All, all is darkness — silence — and repose. 



* The Spring season is from September to November, and the 
nights usually cold. 



FINIS. 



H.C.CREAGH, PRINTER, PLYMOUTH. 



